The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to claimants over missing cost of living payment. The government has been rolling out its £300 cost of living payment to vulnerable households over the past few weeks.
The money, part of an overall £900 support package between 2023/24, has been given to around eight million people on means-tested benefits in a bid to ease pressure on those hardest hit by the cost of living crisis. It followed a £301 payment given out earlier this year while a £299 payment will come next spring.
The government began rolling out the £300 payment on October 31 and confirmed as of November 19 that most of those who qualify have now received the money. They have warned that if you have not received the money by now you might not be eligible or you might need to report a missing payment. To get the latest money stories straight to your inbox twice a week sign up to our newsletter here.
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Who qualifies for the £300 cost of living payment?
You will need to be getting one of the following benefits to qualify for the money:
- Universal credit
- Income-based jobseekers allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Working tax credit
- Child tax credit
- Pension credit
People on benefits received the money from Tuesday, October 31 and Sunday, November 19. Tax credits-only recipients will be paid between November 10 and 19. This is to ensure multiple payments are not sent to one person.
What do I do if I qualify for the money but didn't get it?
If you feel you qualify but didn't receive the money you will need to contact the DWP to report a missing payment. You can do this online as of Monday, November 20. You'll need your National Insurance number. If you've lost your National Insurance number, check how to find a lost National Insurance number here.
Before reporting a missing payment check your bank, building society or credit union account, or your Payment Exception Service voucher receipt. The payment will be made separately from your benefit. Click here to report a missing payment.
