Next Cost Of Living Payment is coming up

The time is nearly here for the next Cost Of Living Payment.

These are payments from the Government to help with the cost of living for people who receive certain benefits and tax credits.

The payments are non-taxable and will not affect other benefits or tax credits.

The next payment – worth £300 – is due to be paid out between 31st October and 19th November for those receiving Universal Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Pension Credit.

To be eligible, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of these benefits for any day in the period 18th August 2023 to 17th September 2023.

Those receiving tax credits and no other low income benefit should receive their £300 payment between 10th November and 19th November 2023.

You will be eligible if you received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period 18th August 2023 to 17th September 2023, or if you later received a payment for any day in that period.

The Government has said you do not need to apply for these payments – and that they will be made automatically in the same way you usually receive benefits or tax credits.

A warning has been issued that if someone has asked you to apply or contact someone about the payment – it may be a scam.

If you think you are eligible for the payment and haven’t received it after 19th November – please use the GOV.uk website or come to see us for help at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.

A further payment of £299 is due to be paid to those eligible in the Spring of 2024 – the third of three Cost Of Living Payments.