One week countdown to the final cost-of-living payment: everything you need to know

Across the UK, roughly eight million households on tax credits and certain benefits are due to start receiving the final part of their £900 cost-of-living payment in just seven days. 

Am I eligible for the cost-of-living payment? 

If you were entitled to any of the benefits listed below between 13 November and 12 December 2023, then you’re eligible for the cost-of-living payment:

• child tax credit
• working tax credit
• income support
• income-based jobseeker's allowance
• income related employment and support allowance
• pension credit
• universal credit (unless your universal credit was reduced to £0 for the entire period between 13 November 2023 to 12 December 2023) 

When will I get my cost-of-living payment? 

Benefits you get	When you’ll get your cost-of-living payment
Any of the benefits below (with or without tax credits): income-based jobseeker’s allowance universal credit income support income-related employment and support allowance pension credit universal credit	Between 6 and 22 February
Child or working tax credit ONLY	Between 16 and 22 February

How will I be paid? 

If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.

Can you get pension credit?

If you were of state pension age between 13 November 2023 and 12 December 2023, you might be eligible for pension credit. If you are, this means you’ll also be able to get the third cost-of-living payment.

But make sure you apply for pension credit by 5 March and ask for it to be backdated.  

If your claim is approved, you'll get the £299 cost-of-living payment automatically. 

If you don’t get your cost-of-living payment

If you’re eligible but haven’t received the final cost-of-living payment by 23 February, you can report it here.