DWP £999 Cost of Living Payment – Have You Received It? Here’s How to Check and What to Do Next

To support low-income households dealing with high inflation, rising food prices, and increasing utility costs, the UK government rolled out a £999 Cost of Living Support package. This financial aid was distributed in three phases, with the final installment providing much-needed relief in early 2024.

While most eligible individuals received the payment directly into their bank accounts, some did not. If you’re unsure whether you were supposed to receive this payment or have not seen it yet, here’s a complete guide to help you find out.

What Is the £999 Cost of Living Payment?

The £999 support was provided as a series of three payments spread across the 2023–2024 financial year. The earlier payments were £301 and £300, followed by the final portion which brought the total to £999.

This final payment was issued automatically to qualifying beneficiaries between 6 February and 22 February 2024. The goal was to ease the financial burden during a time when everyday expenses remained significantly high.

Who Qualified for the £999 Payment?

To be eligible, individuals had to be receiving one or more of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying period of 13 November to 12 December 2023:

• 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

Those with uninterrupted claims during this window should have automatically received the payment.

Who Was Not Eligible?

Not everyone receiving benefits qualified. You were not eligible if your only benefit was:

• New Style ESA

• Contribution-based ESA

• New Style JSA

These benefits are not income-based, and the £999 support was strictly targeted toward recipients of means-tested benefits. Any breaks or delays in your claim during the eligibility window could also lead to exclusion.

How Was the £999 Payment Sent?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued the payment based on your benefit source:

• If you receive payments from DWP, check your statement for “DWP COL”

• If you receive payments from HMRC, the entry should read “HMRC COLS”

The payment was credited directly into your existing bank account on file. No application or paperwork was required as long as you met the criteria.

Didn’t Receive the £999 Payment? Here’s What to Do

If you expected the payment but didn’t get it, follow these steps:

• Review your bank transactions from 6 to 22 February 2024 for the correct payment reference

• Verify that you were receiving a qualifying benefit between 13 November and 12 December 2023

• Go to GOV.UK and use the designated missing payment form

• Contact DWP or HMRC directly for assistance if your eligibility status is unclear

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Late Eligibility for Pension Credit Applicants

Some individuals who applied for Pension Credit after the eligibility window may still receive the £999 payment, provided their claim is backdated to the qualifying period.

To qualify under late eligibility:

• Submit your Pension Credit claim by 5 March 2024

• Contact DWP to check your status

• If approved and backdated, your payment will either be issued automatically or can be claimed via the missing payment form

Reasons You Might Have Missed the Payment

There are several reasons why eligible individuals didn’t receive the payment, including:

• Outdated or incorrect bank account details

• Interruptions in your benefit claims

• Delays due to high volume of transactions

• Payment held for fraud prevention checks

If any of these apply, reach out to your benefit provider immediately to resolve the issue.

Stay Alert for Scams

When the government issues large financial payments, scammers often target vulnerable individuals. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• DWP and HMRC will never request bank or personal information by text, phone, or email

• Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or responding to suspicious messages

• Always refer to the official GOV.UK website for updates and support

Final Word

The £999 Cost of Living Payment offered essential support for millions facing financial hardship in the UK. If you met the eligibility requirements and haven’t seen this payment, act quickly by checking your records, confirming your eligibility, and reporting any issues through official channels.

Click here to know more.