COST OF LIVING

All the November dates for cost of living payments, DWP benefits and schemes available

Last modified on Wednesday 18 October 2023

We've compiled a list of all the important payments coming next month, from Universal Credit to the Cost of Living payment

As we come to the end of another month in 2023, many families will be thinking about what payments to expect in November, ahead of Christmas.

Luckily there are lots of payments being made in November, along with fresh applications opening for the Household Support Fund (HSF).

Here are the dates to have on your radar next month...

Second Cost of Living payment

The Government will start issuing the second Cost of Living payment worth £300 between 31 October and 19 November.

The Cost of Living payment for 2023/24 is a £900 payment available for people claiming certain benefits, that is broken down into 3 instalments. This autumn payment is the second instalment and is worth £300.

When exactly you get the payment will depend on the benefits you receive. The DWP will start paying out on 31 October until 19 November to those who claim the following DWP benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support

If you are claiming just HMRC benefits – Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits, the cash will be sent out between 9 November and 19 November.

If you are eligible for the payment, there's no need to apply – the money will automatically be paid account you usually receive your benefits in.

The first Cost of Living payment was issued in the spring of this year worth £301, while the third payment will come by spring next year.

Benefits schedule

Government benefits will be going out on schedule in November as there are no bank holidays to disrupt the usual order of business.

This includes the following benefits:

  • Universal credit
  • State pension
  • Pension credit
  • Disability living allowance
  • Personal independence payment
  • Attendance allowance
  • Carer’s allowance
  • Employment support allowance
  • Income support
  • Jobseeker’s allowance

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount scheme, which gives low-income households £150 in credit towards their energy bills, opened on Monday (16 October) and will remain open until the end of March 2024.

This is a Government-backed scheme that provides support to those struggling with high energy bills.

To be eligible you must get the 'guarantee element' of Pension Credit or be in receipt of certain benefits (such as Universal Credit or Income Support) and have 'high energy costs'. Eligible households will have received a letter letting them know if they can get this grant.

For more information, take a look at our guide here.

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

If you, or an older family member, received the Winter Fuel Payment, you will get an extra £150 or £300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment.

This will be paid with your normal payments from November, according to the government.

The amount received depends on circumstances (when you were born and benefits received during the qualifying dates).

Those who are eligible will have been sent (or will soon be sent) a letter saying how much they will get.

Apply for EXTRA DWP payment

Many low-income families will also be eligible for the Household Support Fund – a sum of money given to local councils who share this with residents who need it most.

According to new figures, the fund has paid out more than £26 million since its launch in October 2021 – but many families still are not aware of it.

So 'unknown' is the Fund, the DWP has now launched a Household Support Fund awareness week – beginning on Monday 16 October. During the week, the DWP is encouraging vulnerable people across England to contact their councils to find out what support is available in their area.

Find out everything you need to know about the Household Support Fund, including who gets it.

What other support is available for families?

For a list of payments coming this October, take a look at our guide here.

And further payments until the end of the year are listed here.

Cost of living hub

You can also take a look at the Netmums Cost of Living hub which has all the latest stories about benefits and entitlements, and up-to-date information from the DWP.

You can find Government-based advice on cash you might be entitled to and the latest dates of when you can expect the latest payments to land in your bank account.

There are also top tips from the Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, as well as brilliant ideas for saving money on everything from your weekly shop, to that well-deserved holiday.

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