Cost of Living Payments: What Was Paid and Support Available Now

Between 2022 and early 2024, millions of people in the UK received much-needed financial support to help cope with rising bills through the government's Cost of Living Payments scheme.

That scheme has now ended. The final instalment was paid in early 2024, and no further Cost of Living Payments have been announced. This article explains what was paid and who was eligible, and — importantly — points you towards the help that is still available today.

At a glance

Scheme status: Ended (final payment early 2024)
Means-tested total 2023/24: £900 across 3 instalments
Pensioner top-up: £300
Disability payment: £150

Looking for help now? The Cost of Living Payments have stopped, but support such as the Household Support Fund (run by local councils), Pension Credit, the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment may still be available. Skip to Where to Find Help Today for more.

What Cost-of-Living Payments Were Available?

The cost-of-living payments came in various forms, targeting specific groups of individuals facing financial challenges. Here's what was on offer during 2023/24:

£900 in Total: This sum was distributed in three instalments and was available to households on means-tested benefits.
£300 for Pensioner Households: This payment was tailored to help pensioner households during the winter months.
£150 for Disabled Individuals: People receiving certain disability benefits were entitled to a £150 payment.

The first instalment of £301 for those on means-tested benefits was received by approximately eight million people in the spring. The subsequent payments followed in the autumn and, finally, in early 2024.

Who Was Eligible for the £900 Payment?

The £900 cost-of-living payment, divided into three instalments, was available to households that received the following benefits:

Universal credit
Income-based jobseeker's allowance
Income-related employment and support allowance
Income support
Working tax credit
Child tax credit
Pension credit

The payment reference on the recipient's bank account appeared as their national insurance number, followed by "DWP COL." Those receiving working tax credit or child tax credit only tended to receive their payment slightly later.

People receiving the new-style employment and support allowance, contributory employment and support allowance, or the new-style jobseeker's allowance were not eligible for these payments unless they also received universal credit.

Each instalment had its own qualifying period, during which a person needed to have been entitled to a benefits payment (or a payment for an assessment period ending within those dates). It's important to note that these cost-of-living payments did not affect the taxes you pay or the benefits and tax credits you receive. If you were owed a payment you never received, you may still be able to report a missing Cost of Living Payment to the DWP.

What Help Did Disabled People Get?

Approximately six million people receiving certain disability benefits were granted an additional £150. These benefits included:

Disability living allowance
Personal independence payment
Attendance allowance
Scottish disability payments
Armed Forces independence payment
Constant attendance allowance
War pension mobility supplement

These payments were disbursed between June 20th and July 4th.

What Help Did Pensioners Get?

Households that received the Winter Fuel Payment got a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of £300 on top, paid alongside it during the winters the scheme was running. Lower-income pensioners claiming Pension Credit received this extra money in addition to their regular support.

Note that the Winter Fuel Payment itself has since changed and is no longer paid automatically to every pensioner household — eligibility now depends on your circumstances, so it's worth checking the current rules on GOV.UK.

What Cost-of-Living Payments Have People Already Received?

In 2022, two payments totalling £650 were made to over eight million low-income households. Pensioners received £300 that winter, and a £150 payment was made to those with disabilities. If eligible, some individuals would have received all of these payments.

Other Support for Households

In addition to the cost-of-living payments, vulnerable individuals received a £150 rebate, often applied to their council tax bill. The Household Support Fund, administered by local councils, extended support to those in need, including providing fuel vouchers.

Furthermore, over the 2022/23 winter, all household energy bills were reduced by at least £400 in England, Scotland, and Wales through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. That one-off discount was not repeated in later winters. For households in Northern Ireland, a £600 payment was made due to the region's higher reliance on heating oil.

Where to Find Help Today

The Cost of Living Payments have ended, but you may still be able to get help with bills and essentials. It's worth checking the following:

Household Support Fund: Administered by your local council, this fund can help with food, energy and other essentials. Availability and criteria vary by area, so contact your council or check its website.
Pension Credit: If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit tops up your income and can act as a gateway to other help, including the Winter Fuel Payment. Many eligible pensioners don't claim it, so it's always worth checking.
Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on your electricity bill for eligible low-income and pensioner households, applied over the winter.
Winter Fuel Payment: An annual payment towards heating costs for eligible pensioner households. The rules have tightened in recent years, so check whether you qualify.
Check your benefit entitlement: An independent benefits calculator can show what you may be entitled to. If you're not sure, Citizens Advice can help you work through your options.

For the latest figures and eligibility, always check the official cost of living support pages on GOV.UK.

Getting on top of your day-to-day money can also ease the pressure — our guide to budgeting your money with 7 smart tips is a good starting point, and it helps to understand what time DWP payments go into your bank if benefits are part of your income. With energy bills a big worry for many, you may also find our take on whether energy prices will go down useful.