Millions Set to Get £301 Cost of Living Boost
Millions of UK households will receive a £301 cash boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) starting 25 April through 17 May. This is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit in 2023/24.
Extra Cash For Disabled and Pensioners
On top of the £301, eligible disabled people will get another £150 later this year. Pensioners are set to receive an additional £300, pushing the total support for the most vulnerable to a whopping £1,350. These payments follow the £650 Cost of Living Payment handed out to over eight million people in 2022.
Automatic Payments – No Fuss, No Forms
The £301 payment will land directly in bank accounts automatically. Recipients don’t need to apply or do a thing. The payment reference will appear as DWP COLP along with the claimant’s National Insurance number.
Who’s Eligible and What to Expect
This boost targets those on benefits during the qualifying period from 26 January to 25 February 2023. You qualify if you receive:
- Universal Credit;
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance;
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
- Income Support;
- Working Tax Credit;
- Child Tax Credit;
- Pension Credit.
DWP urges low-income pensioners not on Pension Credit to check their eligibility. They may get the £301 payment if they successfully claim backdated Pension Credit by 19 May.
Those receiving the payment through tax credits instead of DWP benefits will get theirs via HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) soon after DWP starts payments. Specific payment dates and references will be announced by HMRC.
Officials Speak Out on Support Measures
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “These payments will give a financial boost to more than eight million households as we continue to support the most vulnerable, while working hard to halve inflation by year’s end.”
“Work remains the best way out of poverty. We’ve increased Work Coach support to help people find jobs or work more hours. Anyone wanting to improve their skills or career should contact their work coach to get all the help the DWP offers.”
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: “I know times are tough, which is why the Spring Budget focuses on easing cost of living pressures and boosting well-paid work.”
“We’re delivering £900 in direct cash payments to millions, extending the Energy Price Guarantee to cap bills, raising the National Living Wage to £10.42, scrapping the prepayment meter premium, and executing a plan to more than halve inflation — all to stretch people’s incomes further.”
Extra Help Still Available
Low-income households are encouraged to contact local councils about the Household Support Fund. Worth over £2 billion, it helps with essential food and energy costs. Councils use the fund to spot and support local need directly.
To sum up: if you’re eligible, your £301 Cost of Living Payment is coming automatically. No forms, no fuss—just cash in your account to help weather the cost of living squeeze.
