Cost of Living Payments for the year 2023/24 are being paid to eligible households across the UK to help with the cost of living.
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 was paid in Spring 2023, the second payment of £300 will be paid in Autumn 2023, and the third payment of £299 will be paid in Spring 2024.
The first payment was paid automatically to those eligible between 25 April and 17 May 2023.
The second payment should be paid automatically to most people between 31 October and 19 November 2023.
Exact payment window for Spring 2024 will be announced closer to the time.
If you think you are eligible and have not received payments, 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 was paid automatically between 20 June and 4 July. This was paid in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you received 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 Cost of Living 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.
Winter Fuel Payments and the additional £300 will be paid automatically to those eligible. If eligible, you will receive a letter in October or November stating how much you will receive. If you do not receive a letter but think you are eligible, you can check if you need to make a claim for Winter Fuel Payments.
The Cost of Living Support Package for the year 2022/23 has closed and was paid to eligible households. It 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.