Cost of Living Payments

You may be eligible for Cost of Living Payments if you get certain benefits or tax credits. If you are eligible, you will be paid automatically in the same way that you receive your benefit or tax credits. This page has information on financial support available across the country. There may be further local support available depending on your area.
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cost of living payment

 

Cost of Living Payments for the year 2023/24 have been announced for households across the UK to help with the cost of living. These will begin to be paid from Spring 2023.

If you receive low-income benefits 

You may be paid £900 in three lump sums if you are in receipt of any of the following: 

  • Universal Credit 
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 
  • Income Support 
  • Pension Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit 
  • Working Tax Credit 

You are not eligible for this payment if you receive only New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). 

The first payment of £301 will be in Spring 2023, the second payment of £300 will be in Autumn 2023, and the third payment of £299 will be in Spring 2024.

The first payment will be paid automatically to those eligible between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May 2023.

Exact payment windows for Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024 will be announced closer to the time.

If you think you are eligible and do not receive the first payment of £301 by 17 May 2023, you can report this to the government.

 

If you receive disability benefits 

You may get a lump sum payment of £150 if you’re receiving any of the following benefits: 

  • Attendance Allowance 
  • Disability Living Allowance for adults 
  • Disability Living Allowance for children 
  • Personal Independence Payment 
  • Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) 
  • Child Disability Payment (Scotland) 
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment 
  • War Pension Mobility Supplement 

This is known as the Disability Payment.

The payment of £150 will in Summer 2023. Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time. This is paid in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you receive with your benefits or tax credits.

 

If you are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments 

If you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2023-24, you will get an additional £300 for your household paid with your normal amount.

This is known as the Pensioner Payment.

This is paid in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you receive with your benefits or tax credits. Winter Fuel Payments are usually paid automatically to those who are eligible. 

 

The cost of living support package for the year 2022/23 has already been paid to eligible households. and included:

  • £650 split into two lump sums for those receiving low-income benefits
  • £150 for those on disability benefits
  • £300 for pensioners eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

Here for you 

If you have further questions about the cost of living, how it is impacting you, and what help is available in your area, the Information, Advocacy and Care team are available on 0800 652 6352 or info@musculardystrophyuk.org to offer information and support. If they can’t help you, they are more than happy to signpost you to local services close to you, or to other people who can help.