Cash boost alert! Over 8 million UK households start receiving a £301 Cost of Living Payment from today as part of a new £900 government support package for 2023/24 — with some families set to get as much as £1,350.
£301 Payments Roll Out Now
- Payments automatically hitting bank accounts from today
- Payments staggered between 25 April and 17 May
- HMRC paying tax credit-only customers between 2 and 9 May
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending these payouts directly, with bank statements showing the reference as National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP COL’.
Who Qualifies for the Help?
To claim the first £301 payment, people must have been on one of seven means-tested benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Jobseekers Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
After the DWP payments, HMRC will handle £301 payments for tax credit-only recipients.
More Help to Come
- This £301 is just round one — the full £900 package includes two more payments throughout 2023/24
- A £150 summer top-up for people on eligible disability benefits
- A £300 payment for pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payment later in the year
The Government says these payments target those hit hardest by soaring costs, adding to last year’s £650 support, bringing total help up to an average of £3,300 per household over two years.
Government Officials Weigh In
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: „This latest additional payment will be welcomed by millions of families – as will further payments due over the next year. We continue to support the most vulnerable through record benefits, national living wage rises, and these exceptional Cost of Living Payments amid global pressures.”
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor: „The best way to help people’s money go further is to halve inflation and grow the economy. We are also freezing fuel duty, supporting Universal Credit, and handing out £900 payments funded partly by windfall taxes on energy profits.”
Extra Tips for Claimants
No need to apply — payments are automatic if you qualify. But some may get their money later during the payment window. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, use the benefits calculator on 123
