The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will soon roll out the first instalment of a wave of cost of living payments nationwide.
According to State for Work and Pensions secretary, Mel Stride, the aim of the payments is to provide a financial boost to more than eight million vulnerable households facing the brunt of the cost of living crisis. For most, this will include a series of payments equating to up to £1,350 depending on your circumstances.
However, not everyone will be eligible for the cost of living payment, even if they do receive one of the qualifying means-tested benefits. According to the government, you will be considered eligible for the payments if you receive Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Pension Credit.
Read more: People who will get the full DWP £1,350 cost of living payments and when they will be made
But there is some small print involved in the eligibility of the payment that many may not be aware of. If you're under the impression that you will receive the first instalment of £301 Between April 25 and May 17, it's worth double-checking your benefit payment dates...
Why some on means-tested benefits will not qualify for the cost of living payment
While it's true that the cost of living payment will be made available to those receiving means-tested benefits, claimants may still not receive any of the cash. According to the DWP, claimants must have received either a payment from an eligible benefit or a payment for an assessment during a specific qualifying period.
For the first cost of living payment, the qualifying period is between January 26, 2023 and February 25, 2023. If you did not receive payment from Universal Credit or any other qualifying benefit -including if you received a 'NIL' payment of £0 - then you will not be considered eligible for the cost of living payment.
However, if you're eligible for Pension Credit but do not claim for it then it may be worth attempting to get a backdated application by May 19. If you're successful in getting a backdated claim for the qualifying period, then you will become automatically eligible for the cost of living payment.
Read next:
