£300 Cost of Living Payment: Eligibility for DWP Benefit Recipients Explained

The UK government has introduced a series of Cost-of-Living Payments aimed at helping individuals struggling with rising expenses. Those receiving certain Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits were eligible for a £300 support payment as part of a wider package of financial aid. This article outlines who was eligible, how the payments were distributed, and the latest updates regarding government assistance.

Understanding the Cost-of-Living Payments

As part of the government’s response to the ongoing financial pressures on low-income households, a structured series of payments were rolled out between 2022 and 2024. These payments were designed to assist individuals receiving means-tested benefits, ensuring they had extra support amid increasing living costs.

The payments were as follows:

• £301 Payment: Distributed between April 25 and May 17, 2023
• £300 Payment: Issued between October 31 and November 19, 2023
• £299 Payment: Paid between February 6 and February 22, 2024

These payments were made automatically to eligible recipients without the need for applications.

Who Was Eligible for the £300 Payment?

To qualify for the £300 Cost of Living Payment, individuals had to be receiving one of the following means-tested benefits during a specified qualifying period:

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

For the £300 payment that was issued in autumn 2023, beneficiaries had to be entitled to one of these benefits for at least one day between August 18 and September 17, 2023 (Gov.uk).

How the Payment Was Made?

Eligible individuals received the £300 payment directly into their bank accounts. The payment reference appeared as “DWP COL” for those receiving it via DWP benefits and “HMRC COLS” for those who qualified through tax credits.

It was important to note that these payments were separate from regular benefit payments and were not subject to taxation or deductions from existing benefit entitlements.

What If Someone Did Not Receive Their Payment?

Most eligible recipients received their payments automatically. However, if someone believed they were eligible but did not receive the payment, they were advised to check:

• Their bank statements for a transaction labeled DWP COL or HMRC COLS
• Whether they met the eligibility criteria for the qualifying period
• If there were any pending eligibility issues with their benefit claims

In cases where the payment was not received but eligibility was confirmed, individuals were encouraged to report the missing payment via the official DWP or HMRC portals (Gov.uk).

Is There Another Cost-of-Living Payment Coming?

As of March 2025, there are no new Cost of Living Payments scheduled. The final installment of £299 was issued in February 2024, concluding the government’s multi-year support initiative.

However, the government continues to offer assistance through other schemes such as:

• The Household Support Fund – Provided to local councils to distribute to vulnerable households in need of financial assistance (Gov.uk).
• Cold Weather Payments – Available to those on low incomes during periods of extreme cold (Gov.uk).
• Winter Fuel Payments – Aimed at pensioners to help with heating costs (Gov.uk).

Government’s Approach to Cost-of-Living Support

The UK government implemented the Cost of Living Payment scheme to provide financial relief to those most affected by rising prices. While the program has ended, its impact was significant in helping millions of low-income households manage their expenses during economic uncertainty.

Going forward, those in need are advised to check for ongoing support initiatives and ensure they claim all available benefits. The government’s official website remains the best source for the latest updates on financial assistance programs (Gov.uk).

Conclusion

The £300 Cost of Living Payment was a crucial component of the UK government’s broader financial support plan for individuals receiving certain DWP benefits. Although this payment scheme has concluded, there are still various forms of assistance available. Individuals facing financial hardship should explore government resources and consult their local authorities to understand what aid may be accessible to them.