Cost of living payments are no longer being made, but were previously paid to those on low incomes who needed help covering everyday expenses.
However, there may still be some financial help available to those who are struggling via the Household Support fund, and benefits if eligible.
Here, we explain what you need to know about how the cost of living payments worked, and what support you might be able to get now they have stopped.
How did cost of living payments work?
The £900 cost of living government support package was paid in three separate instalments, with the final £300 payment paid automatically to those entitled to the benefit in February 2024. The first instalment was paid from 25 April 2023, and the second from the end of October the same year.
The support was originally announced in the 2022 Autumn Statement and is aimed at helping people struggling with the cost of living crisis as essential costs such as food and energy continue to soar. According to government figures, around eight million who receive means-tested benefits will be entitled to the grant.
The £900 payments followed a £650 grant for people in receipt of means-tested benefits that was paid in two instalments in 2022.
Who qualified for the £900 cost of living payments?
You should have been eligible for the £900 cost of living payments if you were receiving one or more of the following benefits: Universal Credit; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; income support; Pension Credit; Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
Similarly to the previous £650 cost-of-living payments in 2022, the payments were a tax-free grant, and so didn’t affect existing benefits.
When should the £900 cost of living payments have been received?
The cost of living payments were spread out to ensure that financial support is received throughout the year for the households who need it most.
The first payment should have been received by 17 May 2023 for people on DWP benefits, or between 2 and 9 May 2023 for people on tax credits, meaning all those eligible should now have received the first payment. The second payment, of £300, should have been paid by 19 November, and the third £299 payment was made in February 2024.
The government paid a separate £150 disability cost of living payment in summer 2023. This was paid to anyone in receipt of the following benefits: Disability Living Allowance; Personal Independence Payment (PIP); Attendance Allowance: Scottish Disability Benefits; Armed Forces Independence Payment; Constant Attendance Allowance; War Pension Mobility Supplement.
A spokesman for the DWP said: “While payments are made automatically, people must be receiving one of the eligible qualifying benefits during the specified period to qualify. Those who wish to check their entitlement to benefits should use a benefits calculator on Gov.uk to get a better idea of what they could receive.
“Low-income pensioners particularly should check their eligibility for Pension Credit.” You may still be able to receive the last cost of living payment (paid in February for most people) if you apply for Pension Credit now.
Find out more about Pension Credit and how to apply in our guide Pension Credit explained.
What other cost of living support is available?
If you’re entitled to Winter Fuel Payment, which is from this winter will only paid to those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, you’ll get either £200 and £300 towards energy bills. You should receive this extra payment automatically if you’re entitled to it. Find out more in our article Winter Fuel Payment 2024: who is eligible and how can I claim?
It’s also worth checking with your local authority whether you might be entitled to any help from the Household Support Fund. Launched in October 2021 to help those struggling financially in the wake of the pandemic, the aim of the fund was originally to provide households in need with small grants to cover essential living costs such as food, clothing and utility bills.
With the ongoing cost of living crisis, the fund has now been extended several times, most recently in Labour’s first Budget. It will now run until March 2026. You can find out more about the scheme and how to submit a claim in our guide The Household Support Fund explained. Myron Jobson, senior personal finance analyst at Interactive Investor, said: “The various cost-of-living support schemes and measures past and present have and will help to ease the inflationary crunch on budgets – but most have a shelf life.
“It remains important to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial position and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your financial position holds strong long after the cost-of-living measures expire.”
There are several charities and organisations which can advise you about any benefits you might be entitled to and can help you submit a claim.
These include Turn2us, which can assess your eligibility for benefits through its Turn2us benefits calculator or by phone on 0808 802 2000. The site Entitledto.co.uk also has a free benefits calculator which you can use to see what you qualify for.
Alternatively, you can get help from Citizens Advice. You can search for your local Citizens Advice here or you can telephone their customer service helpline on 0344 411 1444. Find out more about these organisations and other sources of help in our guide Five free sources of help if you’re making a benefits claim.
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