When it comes to managing your money, every little bit counts—especially during tough economic times. If you’ve been wondering whether you received the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment, or what to do if you haven’t seen it hit your bank account, you’re in the right place.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £299 (final installment of the 2023-2024 Cost of Living scheme) |
| Payment Dates | Feb 6-22, 2024 (DWP), Feb 16-22, 2024 (HMRC/tax credits) |
| Eligibility Period | Nov 13 – Dec 12, 2023 |
| Qualifying Benefits | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based JSA or ESA, tax credits |
| How It Appears on Bank Statement | “[Your NI Number] DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” |
| Official Link to Report Missing Payment | Report to GOV.UK |
| Scam Warning | DWP will never text/email asking for bank info. |
If you qualified for the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment and didn’t get it, act now. The claim window won’t stay open forever. And even if you weren’t eligible this time, it pays to stay informed.
Programs like these can make the difference between making ends meet and falling short. So always check your eligibility, keep an eye on your statements, and don’t be shy about claiming what you’re owed.
Understanding the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued a series of Cost of Living Payments to help low-income households handle inflation and rising living costs in the UK. The final installment, £299, wrapped up the 2023/2024 support plan. Think of this as the last check in a three-part series—£301, £300, and now £299.
It was meant to support over 8 million households across the UK, including folks on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, and tax credits. According to official DWP data, over 7.9 million households received the earlier payments, and a similar number were expected to qualify for the final £299 round.
Who Was Eligible?
Let’s break it down: You were eligible if you were receiving any of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying dates (Nov 13 – Dec 12, 2023):
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (if no other DWP benefits were claimed)
If you were getting New Style ESA, New Style JSA, or contributory benefits, you wouldn’t qualify unless you also got one of the above means-tested ones.
How Do I Know If I Got It?
You won’t get a notification or text about the payment (so don’t fall for scams!). Instead, check your bank statement.
- If you receive DWP benefits, look for a line that reads something like:
AB123456C DWP COL. - If you receive only tax credits, look for:
HMRC COLS.
These payments were automatic. No application was needed.
What If I Didn’t Get It?
First, don’t panic. Payments can sometimes be delayed for a few reasons—bank errors, benefit review, or eligibility confirmation delays.
Step-by-step if you think it’s missing:
- Double-check your benefit status during the qualifying period (Nov 13 – Dec 12, 2023).
- Review your bank account for the reference codes mentioned above.
- Still no sign? Report the missing payment directly to the DWP using this official portal: Report to GOV.UK
Expect a response within 15 working days, although times may vary depending on case complexity.
How to Avoid Cost of Living Scams
Unfortunately, crooks love a good government program. Here are some quick tips to avoid scams:
- DWP and HMRC never ask for bank details by text, email, or phone.
- Don’t click suspicious links. Report dodgy texts by forwarding to 7726 (free).
- When in doubt, always check the source: www.gov.uk
What If You Missed Out Completely?
If you missed the payment due to being ineligible at the time, here are a few ideas:
- Check back benefits: If you’ve recently applied for Pension Credit or Universal Credit and your claim is backdated to cover the eligibility period, you might still get the payment.
- Speak to a benefits advisor: Groups like Citizens Advice or Turn2Us can guide you.
FAQs
Q: Is this the last Cost of Living payment?
A: Yes. As of now, no further Cost of Living Payments have been announced for 2025.
Q: Can I call DWP instead of reporting online?
A: Yes, but online is faster. If you need to call, use the numbers listed on the DWP Contact Page.
Q: Will I get a letter or email about the payment?
A: Nope. Payments are made automatically with no letters or emails sent.
Q: Can students get this payment?
A: Only if you receive a qualifying benefit.
