Cost of Living Payments

This information applies to England and Wales.

You may be eligible for extra payments to help with living costs if you get certain benefits or tax credits.

If you're eligible, you do not need to apply. You should have been paid automatically in the same way you get your benefits. You may find that you’re eligible for more than 1 payment.

These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you receive.

Check the latest information at Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 (GOV.UK)

Cost of Living Payments (BSL video)

Help with the Cost of Living (easy read PDF)

If your payments have not arrived

Check your bank statement for a payment called ‘DWP Cost of Living’.

If you do not get a payment, use this form to report a missing Cost of Living Payment.

Contact Scope's helpline if you are having problems.

Eligibility for Cost of Living Payments

You may be eligible for Cost of Living Payments if you get a low-income benefit like:

• Universal Credit (UC)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 
• Income Support
• Pension Credit

Or if you get tax credits, which include:

• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

2023 payments

There were 3 payments in 2023:

• £301 between 25 April and 17 May 2023 (if you were eligible between 26 January and 25 February 2023)
• £300 between 31 October and 19 November 2023 (if you were eligible between 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023)
• £299 between 6 February and 22 February 2024 (if you were eligible between 13 November and 12 December 2023) 

If you’re unsure which type of ESA you get, check your decision letter.

You can also call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 169 0310.