The Department for Work and Pensions today issued an update explaining how people can report they were not paid the recent £300 cost of living payment. Yesterday (Nov 19) was the last day when it was due to arrive in people’s accounts.

More than eight million should have received the money which is intended to help the poorest people in the country. However the DWP has said that some people will not have received it - it could be for a number of reasons including error and potentially problems with making the payment to a bank account.

Today the DWP updated its advice page and confirmed that people can now get in touch if they did not receive the cash. The DWP said: “If you were expecting a £300 Cost of Living Payment (paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023 for most people) and have not received it, you can now report it missing.”

The money should have been paid out between 31 October and 19 November. This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits to be paid out this year.

If you received the money it would appear on your account with the recipient’s National Insurance Number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS. If you have not received it and think you should have there is, from today, an online claim form.

Those eligible for the payment must get at least one of the following: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit.

To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, or payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates.

If you think you should have the £300 payment, but you cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account, you can report it as missing. You’ll need your National Insurance number ready. Also the DWP says that reporting a missing payment, check your bank, building society or credit union account, or your Payment Exception Service voucher receipt. It adds that the payment will be made separately from any normal benefits. To report a missing cost of living payment click here.

A further £299 Cost of Living payment is due to be paid to eligible people by Spring 2024.