First £301 cost of living payments for 2023 paid TODAY
The Cost of Living Crisis
Eloise Hill
Content writerLast updated by: Joanna Lovell
DWP Cost of Living payments dates, who is and isn't eligible and everything else you need to know as the first payments are made
As households continue to struggle with bills, millions of eligible families will be pleased to receive the first cost of living payments from 25 April 2023.
Eligible families will receive £301 in their bank accounts between 25 April and 17 May. That amounts to more than £2.4 billion in funding provided to families across the UK.
In total, more than 8 million families are eligible.
The payment is the first of 3 DWP cost of living payments set up to help families with rising bills.
Eligible families – those who claim means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and other benefits – will receive up to £900 in total.
- Single parents benefits in 2023
- All the cost of living payments in 2023
- Martin Lewis' tips on saving and making money
- Get advice on Netmums from debt experts StepChange and MoneyHelper
When will I get my first cost of living payment?
Here's how it works and how to find out if you're eligible...
- The first was paid out to those eligible between 25 April and 17 May. This was worth £301.
- The second of the 3 payments – worth £300 – was paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023.
- The third and final Cost of Living payment (worth £299) will be paid to eligible applicants in spring 2024.
How will I receive the cost of living payment?
Cost of living payments are tax-free, do not count towards the benefit cap and won't affect the amount you usually get from benefits.
The payment will be paid into your bank account from HMRC.
Who's eligible for the cost of living payment?
In order to receive the 1st cost of living payment next month, you must be claiming one of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying period:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
Claimants on the below benefits are NOT eligible:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- 'New style' Employment and Support Allowance
- Guardian's Allowance
- 'New style' Jobseeker's Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State pension
- Statutory sick pay
- Statutory adoption, maternity, paternity and shared parental pay
Do I need to apply for it?
No, you do not need to apply. If you're eligible to receive it, you’ll be paid automatically.
The government reminds people that if 'you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.'
What other support is available?
Households who are not eligible for the cost of living payment may be able to claim other benefits.
A disability cost of living payment worth £150 is being sent out during summer 2023.
Eligible people will be in receipt of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
There will also be a £300 pensioner cost of living payment to all households who get a Winter Fuel Payment.
Dates for both of these payments haven't yet been announced.
Head to our cost of living hub for money saving tips and details of the benefits you may be entitled to.
And chat to our other parents in our Forum, below.
More money-saving stories
