The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced that the £301 cost of living payment will land in more than eight million bank accounts between April 25 and May 17, 2023. However, it is important for people on DWP benefits to be aware that not everyone will qualify for the first part of the £900 means-tested cost of living financial support.
People currently claiming New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Contributions-based ESA and New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) will not be eligible for any of the £301, £300 or £299 payments because these are not income-related benefits.
Similarly, people on Universal Credit need to have been awarded a payment of at least one penny for the assessment period ending on any day between January 26, 2023 to February 25, 2023. You will not be eligible for the £301 cost of living payment if your Universal Credit is reduced to £0 for the qualifying assessment period - often referred to as a ‘nil award’.
