The last of a series of 3 cost of living payments for people eligible for certain benefits will be paid between 6th and 22nd February 2024. This payment will be £299 and will be paid into the same bank account as your benefit.

You should get this payment if you are entitled to one of the following benefits:

• Pension credit
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Income support
• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• Universal credit (providing you didn’t have a ‘nil’ award)

If you get child tax credit or working tax credit but don’t also get one of the above benefits, you should still get the payment but it will arrive in your account from 16th February 2024

You need to have been entitled to the qualifying benefit for at least one day during the qualifying period, which is between 13 November 2023 and 12 December 2023.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. This includes if you’re found to be eligible at a later date.

If you get a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this is likely be a scam. The DWP will not need to contact you to ask for bank details (or any other personal information) to make this payment so please do not give out any personal information.

If you are over state pension age and on a low income but do not already get pension credit it is worth checking if you are entitled to claim as soon as possible – pension credit can be backdated for 3 months so if you make a successful claim now you would then also be entitled to this cost of living payment. You can check this online https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or call the pension credit helpline 0800 99 1234