DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was the final part of a government-provided £900 support package created to help low-income households cope with rising inflation, energy prices, and food bills. Distributed in early 2024, this one-off payment gave crucial assistance to many families across the UK during a time of high financial pressure.
While millions received their £299 automatically, some eligible recipients found their payment delayed or missing. If you’re unsure whether you qualified or what to do if your payment didn’t arrive, this guide will help explain eligibility, how to check for the payment, and what steps you can take to report or resolve any issues.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was issued automatically to eligible individuals between 6 April and 22 April 2024. It followed two earlier payments of £301 and £300 made in 2023, forming a total £900 support scheme.
Breakdown of the £900 Cost of Living Support Package:
| Payment Installment | Amount | Payment Period |
| First Payment | £301 | Spring 2023 |
| Second Payment | £300 | Autumn 2023 |
| Final Payment | £299 | 6–22 April 2024 |
No separate application was needed for any of these payments, and the money was sent using existing benefit systems.
Who Was Eligible for the £299 Payment?
To receive the £299 cost of living payment, you must have been receiving one or more of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying period of 13 November to 12 December 2023:
- 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
Eligibility depended on receiving these benefits continuously during the qualifying dates. If there was a break in your claim, or if you started receiving benefits after the qualifying window, you may have missed out.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Not all benefit recipients qualified for the £299 payment. The following groups were not eligible:
- People receiving New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- People receiving New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Contribution-based ESA or JSA recipients
These benefits are not means-tested, and therefore do not meet the criteria for the cost of living support scheme. Anyone who had a gap in their claim or didn’t meet the required dates also did not qualify.
How the Payment Was Delivered
Payments were handled either by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), depending on which benefit you were receiving.
How to Identify the Payment:
| Agency | Bank Statement Reference |
| DWP | DWP COL |
| HMRC | HMRC COLS |
If you were eligible, the payment should show up on your bank statement with the above references between 6 and 22 April 2024.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive the Payment
If you think you qualified but did not receive the £299 payment, here are the steps to follow:
- Check Your Bank Statement
Look for references like “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 and 22 April. - Review Your Benefit Eligibility
Confirm you received a qualifying benefit during the eligibility period without any interruptions. - Use the Missing Payment Tool
Visit the official GOV.UK website and use the cost of living payment checker to report missing payments. - Contact Your Benefit Provider
Reach out to DWP or HMRC if you still cannot confirm whether your payment was sent.
Late Eligibility and Backdated Claims
If you applied for Pension Credit after the qualifying period but asked for it to be backdated, you might still receive the £299 payment.
To qualify for a backdated payment:
- You must have applied for Pension Credit by 5 March 2024.
- Your claim must cover the full eligibility window (13 November to 12 December 2023).
If approved, the payment will be made automatically. Otherwise, you’ll need to report it as a missing payment.
Common Reasons for Missing or Delayed Payments
There are several reasons why your payment might not have arrived on time:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Outdated Bank Info | Bank details with DWP or HMRC may be incorrect |
| Claim Changes | Breaks or changes in your benefits during the window |
| Fraud Checks | Some payments were delayed for security checks |
| Processing Delays | High transaction volume may have caused slowdowns |
If any of these apply, contact the relevant department for clarification or resubmission.
Avoid Scams: Stay Safe
Unfortunately, cost of living payments often attract scammers. Here’s how to stay protected:
- The DWP or HMRC will never ask for your personal or bank details via phone, text, or email.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
- Always use official GOV.UK websites to get accurate information.
- Report scams to Action Fraud UK if you suspect any suspicious contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No. The payment was automatically issued to those meeting the eligibility criteria.
2. I applied for Pension Credit late—can I still qualify?
Yes, if you applied by 5 March 2024 and your claim is backdated to the qualifying period.
3. How can I check if I received the payment?
Look for a transaction marked “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” in your bank account between 6 and 22 April 2024.
4. What should I do if I didn’t get it?
Use the missing payment tool on GOV.UK or contact your benefit provider for help.
5. Can I be scammed over this payment?
Yes. Be cautious and only trust official channels. Never share personal details unless you’re certain it’s secure.
Final Thought
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment offered vital financial relief during a time of economic pressure. If you were eligible and haven’t received it, it’s important to act quickly by checking your bank records, verifying your benefits, and contacting the right government office.
Take a few minutes today to make sure you’ve received everything you’re entitled to. If you need more support or help with other benefits, consider reaching out to a benefits adviser or checking additional cost of living support schemes on the official government website.
