Maximise your benefit income
Research from the Department of Work and Pensions confirms that some 63 per cent of eligible people over state pension age and 52 per cent of working age people do not claim all their means-tested benefit entitlement. The result of this, revealed by research in April 2023, is that the staggering sum of almost £19 billion is left unclaimed in means-tested benefits every year.
Given the impact of the current cost of living crisis, we want to make sure everyone who needs help, claim what they are entitled to, along with accessing all other support that is available.
Citizens Advice can help you check what benefits you may be entitled to. Turn2Us have an online calculator for benefits and grants to check what you are entitled to. www.turn2us.org.uk
How do I apply for the Cost of Living Payments?
You do not need to apply for Cost of Living payments. If you are eligible, you will be paid automatically in the same way that you usually receive your benefit or tax credits. Please note that many people have received scam messages requesting their financial details for these payments, which should always be ignored.
Will these payments affect my other benefits?
These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you already receive.
How will I know I am eligible?
The first of three cost of living payments for means-tested benefits and tax credit claimants for this year was distributed between the 25 April and 17 May 2023.
The second instalment of the low income cost of living payments was issued in Autumn 2023. For those in receipt of DWP only benefits or DWP and HMRC benefits (tax credits) the payment should have be distributed automatically between 31 October 2023 and 19 November 2023. The qualifying period for this ran from 18 August to 17 September 2023 inclusive. If you received means-tested benefits or tax credits during this period, do check to make sure you receive this payment.
For those in receipt of HMRC only benefits (tax credits) payments will be made automatically between 10 and 19 November 2023. The qualifying period for this ran from 18 August to 17 September 2023 inclusive.
Here is a link to a factsheet available from gov.uk that specifically deals with the cost-of-living support this year: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
When will the next of these cost of living payments be made?
The qualifying and payment dates for the third cost of living payment will be announced later in the winter.
What if I get child tax credit and working tax credit?
If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you will receive one set of Cost of Living payments, linked to Child Tax Credit only.
Anyone in receipt of a disability benefit on 1 April 2023 should by now have received a £150 payment, which was issued between 20 June 2023 and 4 July 2023. If you have not received your payment, or the payment for those on means-tested benefits and tax credits described above, you can report it on the gov.uk website: https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome