DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment in 2024 – Should You Look Forward to Another Payout?

In response to the rising cost of living, the UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), introduced a series of Cost of Living Payments to assist individuals and families facing financial difficulties. These payments were crucial during 2023 and early 2024 when inflation rates surged, significantly impacting the cost of essentials such as housing, utilities, and groceries. The £299 Cost of Living Payment was the final instalment in this financial support initiative for the 2023/24 fiscal year, completing a phased approach to aid distribution.

Cost of Living Payment Schedule

The DWP structured these payments to be distributed at critical points throughout the year to help beneficiaries manage their expenses during periods of financial strain. The table below outlines the amounts, eligible benefits, and payment dates for the 2023/24 financial year:

Amount	Eligible Benefits	Payment Dates
£301	Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit	25 April – 17 May 2023
£301	Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit)	2 May – 9 May 2023
£300	Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit	31 October – 19 November 2023
£300	Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit)	10 November – 19 November 2023
£299	Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit	6 February – 22 February 2024
£299	Tax credits only (no other low-income benefit)	16 February – 22 February 2024

These payments were made automatically, eliminating the need for applications and reducing the risk of fraud. Recipients simply had to ensure their eligibility based on their current benefits.

Eligibility for the Payment

Eligibility for the £299 Cost of Living Payment required recipients to have been receiving, or qualified to receive, one of the following benefits for any day during the qualifying period between November 13, 2023, and December 12, 2023:

• Universal Credit (except in cases of a ‘nil award’)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credits
• Working Tax Credits

Beneficiaries who met these criteria received payments directly into their accounts without needing further action.

Missing Payments

For individuals who did not receive their expected £299 payment, the DWP provided an online form on the Gov.uk website for reporting such issues. To report a missing payment:

1. Visit the DWP’s Cost of Living Payment page on Gov.uk.
2. Complete the form with personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number.
3. Submit the form for processing. The DWP aimed to respond to these inquiries within two weeks.

It was essential for beneficiaries to ensure their contact and banking details were up-to-date to facilitate the resolution process.

Future Payments

As of now, no further Cost of Living Payments have been announced for 2024 beyond the February instalment. However, the government has taken steps to support low-income families through other means. Notably, benefit rates, including Universal Credit, were set to increase by 6.7% starting in April 2024. This increment aims to provide ongoing assistance, offsetting some of the financial pressures caused by inflation.

While the £299 payment concluded the series of disbursements for the 2023/24 financial year, citizens are encouraged to monitor government announcements for any new initiatives aimed at further supporting vulnerable populations.

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