Millions of eligible Brits are getting cost of living payments over the next year - but what should you do if you don't get yours?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving out five different payments, three cost of living payments totalling £900, one disability cost of living payment of £150, and one pensioner cost of living worth up to £300.
The first cost of living payment, worth £301 was paid out to those eligible in April and May - the next two payments worth £299 and £300 will be paid in the autumn of this year and in spring 2024.
Most recently the £150 payment has been given to those claiming certain disability benefits between June and July.
Overall, those eligible for both of the first two payments have received £450.
The payment is usually given automatically by the DWP to anyone who qualifies - however, sometimes mistakes happened and people do not receive the cash they are owed.
If this has happened to you, then you will need to report the missing payment to the DWP.
If you were eligible for the £300 payment but did not receive it, then you have been able to report the missing money from May 17.
Those who were eligible for the £150 payment but did not receive it have been able to report it missing from July 5.
It should also be noted that a small proportion of payments will also be made after the deadline date.
For the recent disability cost of living payment, some people are still awaiting confirmation of their eligibility or entitlement to disability benefits on April 1 - if this is you, you will need to wait a little longer for your money.
How to report a missing cost of living paymnent
Before you report your payment as being missing you should double-check that you definitely haven't got it.
The payment reference on your bank statements will appear with the code "DWP COL" along with your National Insurance number - this is the case for both the cost of living and the disability cost of living payment.
The money is paid into the same account as your normal benefits but it is paid separately from them - so you should be able to see it.
If you cannot see the money on your bank statement, then you can report it.
To report the payment as missing, you will need to do it online through GOV.UK - you can access this page here.
To report it, you will need your National Insurance number.
You wil need to then click which payment you are reporting missing - you can also report both payments.
You then share what benefits you claim that make you eligible for the payment such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance etc.
You then fill in your full name, date of birth, your National Insurance Number, your address, and your phone number.
After these are all filled out you can send off your report.
The DWP has previously said you should not report your missing payment more than once and they will reply to your report "as soon as they can".
