Cost of Living Payments
At the end of May 2022 the government announced a range of support with the cost of living. The support is being provided automatically to those who are eligible, which means you should not need to apply for it. Payments are being made to those on means-tested benefits, disability benefits and pensioners.
Further Cost of Living Payments have been announced by the Chancellor for all those remaining on any of the relevant benefits mentioned below during the 2023-24 financial year. We will update this page again as soon as information about payment procedures is made available.
On means-tested benefits
If you receive any of the following benefits you will probably be entitled to a low income cost of living payment:
- Universal Credit
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child or Working Tax Credit
You will need to be in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits during a specified period to get the payment.
Last year’s payment amounted to £650, made in two separate instalments in July and November. Further payments totalling £900 will be made during the 2023-24 financial year: £301 will be paid during Spring 2023, £300 during Autumn 2023, and £299 during Spring 2024.
If you did not receive a payment last year and think you should have, you can report a missing payment online.
Disabled
Those in receipt of the following disability benefits were given an additional payment of £150 in recognition of the higher cost of living they experience:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Adult or Child Disability Payment in Scotland
Payments should have been made to everyone who is eligible, so report a missing payment online if you have not received it as expected. You can then contact the Disability and Carers Service on 0800 587 0912 if you do not receive a reply.
A further payment of £150 will be made during the 2023-24 financial year.
Pensioners
Pensioners received an extra £300 top-up to the Winter Fuel Allowance in recognition of their higher energy consumption.
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance, you need to have reached State Pension age by the qualifying week.
Most payments are made automatically during November and December, but if you do not receive the State Pension contact your local advice centre for assistance.
More information about the Winter Fuel Allowance is available at nidirect.
The top-up will again be included in the Winter Fuel Allowance for 2023-24.