16 February 2023 , 12:06
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Thousands of households will miss out on the £301 cost of living payment this spring even though they claim benefits.
The first instalment of the £900 payment is set to be paid to around eight million people in the coming weeks.
However, you have to be claiming certain means-tested benefits - where your income is taken into account - to get the support cash.
If you don't qualify for the £900 payment, you might be entitled to separate cost of living support.
Pensioners are receiving an extra £300 this winter and those on certain disability benefits will get £150 this year.
8 money changes coming in February including Universal Credit and passport fees
The exact payment dates have not been confirmed by the DWP, but they have provided a rough guideline:
- £301 – First cost of living payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability cost of living payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second cost of living payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner cost of living payment – during Winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third cost of living payment – during Spring 2024
List of benefits that don't qualify for the £900 cost of living payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- 'New style' Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Guardian's Allowance
- 'New style' Jobseeker's Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State pension
As we've mentioned, if you don't claim these benefits, you might be entitled to other help.
People who claim the following benefits will be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
If you're of state pension age and you normally get a Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive the £300 pensioner cost of living payment on top of this.
List of benefits that DO qualify for £900 cost of living payment
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
The DWP has not yet confirmed the dates for when you need to be claiming these benefits by, to then receive the £900 cost of living cash.
The GOV.UK website will be updated in the coming weeks when this information is announced by the Government.