Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today announced more detail on the payment schedule for the next round of cost of living support unveiled in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, building on payments made to over eight million people in 2022
£900 payment for more than eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants
£150 for more than six million disabled people
£300 for more than eight million pensioners on top of their winter fuel payments
Here is a breakdown of each one, and when they are expected:
£900 low-income payment
This will be paid to people who receive the following benefits:
Universal credit, Income-based jobseeker’s allowance, Income-related employment and support allowance, Income support, Pension credit, Working tax credit, Child tax credit
More than eight million households will receive the payment and the money will be paid in three separate payments over the course of the financial year, starting in the spring. Exact payment dates will be announced closer to the time, but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year.
£301 – first payment during spring 2023
£300 – second payment during autumn 2023
£299 – third payment during spring 2024
The payments will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any effect on existing benefit awards.
£150 disability payment
A £150 disability payment will be awarded to people who receive any of the following:
Disability living allowance, Personal independence payment, Attendance allowance, Scottish disability benefits, Armed Forces independence payment, Constant attendance allowance, War pension mobility supplement
The payment will be made in summer 2023. The payment will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
£300 pensioner payment
DWP is extending the £300 boost to the winter fuel payment that was issued in 2022. It will be paid in winter 2023-24. The winter fuel payment, also referred to as a “heating allowance”, is an annual tax-free payment from the DWP for older people.
Anyone who is eligible normally receives £100-£300 each year. The amount you get depends on when you were born, your living situation and the type of benefits you receive. The £300 comes on top of this.
You don’t typically have to apply for the winter fuel payment if you are eligible. You should receive the money automatically.