Millions of UK households will receive a £301 cost of living payment next month.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have confirmed when the first of free cost of living payments will be sent to more than eight million people.

The first payment of £301 will be paid directly to eligible households from April 25, with everyone who qualifies for the money receiving it by May 17.

It is the first of three cost of living payments being sent out by the DWP this year, totalling £900, with a £150 payment also being made to eligible disabled people, while £300 will be sent to pensioners later this year.

 

The £301 payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or do anything to receive it.

The payment reference for bank accounts will be DWP COLP, along with the claimant’s National Insurance number.

Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “These payments will give a financial boost to more than eight million households.

“In the long-term, we know work is the best route out of poverty, which is why we recently announced additional Work Coach support to help more people find work or increase their hours.

"Anyone looking to boost their skills or progress their career should speak to their work coach to ensure they’re accessing all the support the DWP can provide.”

Who is eligible for DWP £301 cost of living payment?

The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the upcoming Cost of Living payment are those who receive:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit

The qualifying period for this payment is between January 26 and February 25.

To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment, you need to have been entitled to a payment for one of these benefits between January 26 and February 25, or payment for an assessment period ending between these dates.

The DWP is also encouraging low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as they can still qualify for the £301 Cost of Living Payment if they make a successful backdated Pension Credit application by May 19.

When will DWP cost of living payments be received?

The exact payment dates are yet to be announced by the DWP, but this is when to expect each individual payment over the next year:

  • First cost of living payment - £301 – April 25 to May 17
  • Disability payment - £150 – Summer 
  • Second cost of living payment - £300 – Autumn 
  • Pensioner payment - £300 – Winter 
  • Third cost of living payment - £299 – Spring 2024

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt added: “I know that times are tough, which is why a key focus of the Spring Budget was supporting people with the cost of living and helping people into well-paid work."