For people on Pension Credit and other low income benefits
The first of a number of cost of living payments for 2023 will be paid between 25th April and 17th May 2023, although most people are expected to receive it by 4th May. This first payment is £301 and you do not need to apply -you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits if you qualify.
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 but don’t also get one of the above benefits, you should still get the payment but it will arrive in your account between 2nd and 9th May
You need to have been entitled to it for at least one day during the qualifying period, which is between 26 January 2023 and 25 February 2023.
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 (before 19th May) 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
