In April 2024, the UK government disbursed the final £299 installment of its £900 Cost of Living Support package, providing crucial financial relief to low-income households grappling with soaring living expenses. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the payment was automatically deposited into the bank accounts of eligible individuals between 6 and 22 April.
This support came amid continued pressure from inflation, high energy bills, and increasing grocery prices. While millions benefited, many citizens remain confused about their eligibility or are reporting missed or delayed payments.
Who Was Eligible?
Eligibility for the £299 payment was based on recipients having received certain means-tested benefits during the qualifying window—13 November to 12 December 2023. These benefits included:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Importantly, individuals receiving only non-means-tested benefits, such as New Style ESA or contribution-based JSA, were excluded. Additionally, a break in benefits during the qualifying period could lead to disqualification.
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How to Identify the Payment
Payments were made directly into beneficiaries’ usual bank accounts and were labeled either “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” depending on the issuing agency. Recipients were advised to check their bank statements for these references dated between 6 and 22 April 2024.
Didn’t Get the Payment? Here’s What to Do
Those who believe they were eligible but didn’t receive the payment should first double-check their benefit status during the eligibility period and look for the deposit in their bank account. If the payment is still missing, they are encouraged to:
- Use the official GOV.UK Missing Payment Tool
- Contact DWP or HMRC directly to confirm their records
- Ensure their bank account details are updated with the correct agency
For those who applied late for Pension Credit—specifically before 5 March 2024—but had their claim backdated to the eligibility window, the payment should still be processed automatically.
Why Some Payments May Be Delayed
Several administrative issues have contributed to delays, such as incorrect bank details, temporary gaps in benefit claims, and fraud checks. High transaction volumes have also caused lags in processing for some banks.
Fraud Warning: Stay Vigilant
With official benefit payments, scams are a growing concern. Authorities have issued warnings to the public, emphasizing that neither DWP nor HMRC will ever ask for personal or banking information via email, text, or phone. People are urged to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to report any scam attempts to Action Fraud UK.
The Bigger Picture
This £299 installment was the final phase of a £900 support scheme announced to ease the financial burden for millions. It followed two earlier payments of £301 (Spring 2023) and £300 (Autumn 2023). The cumulative payments formed a vital financial buffer for struggling households during a prolonged cost of living crisis.
As economic uncertainty lingers, the government continues to roll out additional forms of assistance. Future payments, including a new £300 Cost of Living Payment and increased Universal Credit rates, are expected later in 2025.
Conclusion
For those depending on this financial aid, ensuring receipt of the £299 Cost of Living Payment is crucial. Check your statements, review your eligibility, and act fast if your payment is missing. With the cost of living crisis far from over, every bit of support makes a difference.
