Many people receiving benefits such as Universal Credit have been anxiously waiting to find out if they will receive the Cost of Living payment this year.
One of the main concerns was whether someone would meet the qualifying dates that would make them eligible. The government previously announced that in order to receive the first £301 cost of living payment, a person must have received a payment from a qualifying benefit during a specified period.
Fortunately, we now know what the qualifying dates are so benefit claimants can begin to check whether they will receive the cost of living payment or not.
The first payment of £301 will be part of three instalments totalling £900. According to the DWP, people can expect the payment to land in their bank accounts between Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, May 17. Millions of households all across the UK will be eligible for the cost of living payment.
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: “I know that times are tough, which is why a key focus of the Spring Budget was supporting people with the cost of living and helping people into well-paid work.
“Not only are we providing £900 in direct cash payments to millions of the most vulnerable households, we’ve also extended the Energy Price Guarantee to hold bills down until energy prices fall, raised the National Living Wage to £10.42, put an end to the prepayment meter premium and delivered a plan that will more than halve inflation this year – ensuring everyone’s incomes go further.”
What are the qualifying dates for the £301 Cost of living payment?
In order to be considered eligible you must have received a payment from one of the following benefits between January 26 and February 25, 2023:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
Otherwise, you must have received a payment for an assessment period ending between these dates.
