The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment marked the third and final installment in the UK government’s £900 support scheme. Designed to help low-income families cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis, this payment was issued automatically in April 2024 to those receiving qualifying means-tested benefits.
While many received this payment on time, some eligible recipients have reported delays or confusion about their status. Here’s a complete breakdown of eligibility, payment details, and how to report if your payment hasn’t arrived.
Breakdown of the £900 Support Scheme
The £299 was the final payment in a three-part financial support package:
| Installment | Amount | Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| First Payment | £301 | Spring 2023 |
| Second Payment | £300 | Autumn 2023 |
| Final Payment | £299 | 6–22 April 2024 |
Who Was Eligible for the £299 Payment?
To qualify for the £299, you must have been receiving one or more of the following means-tested benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2023:
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Universal Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income Support
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Pension Credit
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
You must have received the benefit without interruption during the eligibility window to qualify for the automatic payment.
Who Was Not Eligible?
You would not have received the payment if you were only claiming:
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New Style ESA
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New Style JSA
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Contribution-based JSA/ESA
These are not means-tested and do not count toward the Cost of Living support criteria. Additionally, those with gaps in their claim during the eligibility period may also have missed out.
How Was the Payment Delivered?
The £299 payment was sent automatically to bank accounts linked to existing benefit records. Depending on your benefit type, either DWP or HMRC handled the transfer.
| Provider | Bank Statement Reference |
|---|---|
| DWP | DWP COL |
| HMRC | HMRC COLS |
What to Do If You Didn’t Get the £299 Payment
If you expected the payment and didn’t receive it:
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Check Your Bank Statement
Look for a deposit labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6–22 April 2024. -
Review Your Benefit Status
Confirm you were continuously receiving a qualifying benefit between 13 November and 12 December 2023. -
Report a Missing Payment
Use the official GOV.UK tool to submit a missing payment request. -
Contact Your Benefit Office
Reach out to DWP or HMRC if you’re unsure about your eligibility or if something appears wrong.
Backdated Claims and Pension Credit
If you applied for Pension Credit after 12 December 2023 but before 5 March 2024, and your claim was backdated to cover the eligibility period, you can still receive the £299 payment. If your claim qualifies, payment will be issued automatically. If not, you must manually report the missing payment.
Why Your Payment May Be Missing or Delayed
Here are common reasons for missing payments:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdated Bank Info | Old or incorrect account details with DWP or HMRC |
| Claim Gaps | Temporary break in benefits during the eligibility period |
| Fraud Checks | Payment flagged for additional verification |
| Bank Delays | Technical delays in payment processing |
Avoid Scams: Stay Alert
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Never share personal details via text, call, or unofficial email.
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DWP and HMRC do not ask for bank information via these methods.
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Always report suspicious messages to Action Fraud UK.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No. The payment was made automatically based on benefit records during the eligibility period.
Can I still qualify with a late Pension Credit claim?
Yes, if you applied by 5 March 2024 and your claim is backdated to include 13 November – 12 December 2023.
How do I check if the payment was made?
Review your bank statement for entries labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6–22 April 2024.
What should I do if I didn’t receive the payment?
Use the missing payment tool on GOV.UK or contact your benefits office to verify eligibility.
Can scammers use this to target me?
Yes. Be cautious of messages asking for personal info. Always verify through official GOV.UK channels.
Conclusion
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment offered essential help during a financially difficult time. If you believe you were eligible but didn’t receive the payment, take action now—review your claim, check your account, and report the issue through the right platforms. Support is still available if you act quickly.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.