With rising household expenses continuing into 2025, the UK government has finalized the £299 Cost of Living Payment as the third and final installment of its £900 support scheme. Delivered to eligible low-income households, the payment aims to ease pressure caused by inflation, high energy prices, and food costs.
What Is the £299 Cost of Living Payment
This £299 one-off payment was part of a broader package announced for the 2023–2024 financial year, following earlier payments of £301 and £300, making the total benefit £900.
The £299 was scheduled for automatic deposit between 6 and 22 February 2024 and targeted claimants of means-tested benefits. It required no application and was credited directly to the bank accounts used for regular benefit payments.
This support was crucial for many struggling with increasing living costs over the winter and into early 2025.
Who Was Eligible for the £299 Payment
To receive the £299 payment, you must have been receiving one or more of the following benefits during the qualifying period 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
Claimants who maintained continuous entitlement during this window automatically received the payment.
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Who Was Not Eligible
Some benefit recipients were excluded due to the structure of the payment. You were not eligible if:
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You only received New Style ESA, New Style JSA, or contribution-based benefits
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You had a break in your claim during the eligibility window
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Your benefit was paused, suspended, or not paid due to earnings being too high
These benefits are not means-tested, and the scheme was strictly for low-income households.
How the Payment Was Delivered
The £299 payment was automatically deposited based on your benefit type:
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DWP recipients: The bank reference showed “DWP COL”
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HMRC recipients (Tax Credits): The statement displayed “HMRC COLS”
There was no need to apply. As long as your benefit was active and your bank details were correct, you should have received the payment.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive the Payment
If you were expecting the payment but didn’t see it in your account, follow these steps:
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Check your bank account for any transaction labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6–22 February 2024
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Review your benefits history to confirm eligibility during 13 Nov – 12 Dec 2023
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Visit GOV.UK and use the online missing payment form
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Contact your benefit provider (DWP or HMRC) if the issue is still unresolved
Some claimants received delayed payments due to banking issues or system errors, so checking all transaction references is key.
Late Eligibility and Backdated Pension Credit
If you applied for Pension Credit after 12 December 2023 but requested backdating, you may still qualify if:
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Your claim was submitted before 5 March 2024
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The backdated claim covers the eligibility window
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DWP has confirmed your Pension Credit entitlement was valid during the required dates
Once confirmed, the £299 payment will be issued automatically.
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Common Reasons for Missing the Payment
Several common issues may prevent the payment from reaching you:
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Incorrect bank account details
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Recent changes in benefit status or paused payments
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Claims denied during the qualifying period
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High claim volumes delaying processing
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Fraud checks or technical glitches
If you suspect any of these affected your payment, contact your provider immediately or raise a case through the official DWP or HMRC portals.
Avoiding Scams During COL Payment Periods
Whenever government payments are issued, scams often follow. Protect yourself by remembering:
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DWP and HMRC will never contact you asking for personal or bank details via text, email, or phone
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Do not click suspicious links claiming to process your cost of living payment
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Use only the official GOV.UK website or contact verified government numbers
FAQs
Who qualified for the £299 Cost of Living Payment?
Claimants receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or certain income-related benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2023 were eligible.
When was the payment made?
The £299 payment was scheduled to arrive between 6 and 22 February 2024. It was automatically deposited to eligible claimants.
What if I received only New Style ESA or JSA?
You were not eligible for this payment if those were your only benefits, as they are not means-tested.
Can I still get the payment if I applied late for Pension Credit?
Yes, if your Pension Credit claim was submitted before 5 March 2024 and successfully backdated to include the eligibility period.
What do the payment references DWP COL and HMRC COLS mean?
These are references shown on your bank statement depending on whether your benefit is from the DWP or HMRC.
What should I do if I didn’t get the payment?
Double-check eligibility, then report a missing payment through GOV.UK or call your benefit provider to initiate a claim.
Is there a way to track my benefit history?
Yes, by logging into your Universal Credit or HMRC online account or contacting your Jobcentre or Tax Credit helpline.
Will there be another Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
As of April 2025, this was the final installment of the £900 package. Any new support will depend on future government announcements.
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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.