DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was the final installment of a £900 government support package aimed at helping households tackle ongoing financial pressures from inflation, energy costs, and rising food bills. As the cost of living crisis continues to impact millions across the UK, this one-off payment provided much-needed relief to eligible low-income individuals and families in early 2024.
However, not everyone received their expected payment. Some are still confused about their eligibility, while others have experienced payment delays or errors. This guide explains who qualified, how to confirm receipt, and what steps to take if you didn’t get your £299.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was automatically distributed to qualifying claimants between 6 April and 22 April 2024. It was issued to those already receiving specific means-tested benefits during a defined eligibility period. This third and final payment followed earlier payments of £301 and £300 made in Spring and Autumn 2023 respectively.
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 |
Who Was Eligible for the £299 Payment?
To receive the £299 payment, individuals must have been receiving one or more of the following means-tested benefits during the eligibility window: 13 November to 12 December 2023.
Eligible Benefits:
- 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
Claimants had to be receiving one of the above without a break during the qualifying period. Automatic payments were made using existing benefit records—no application was necessary.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Some claimants were excluded from the £299 payment even if they were receiving government support. This includes those receiving:
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Contribution-based ESA or JSA
These are not means-tested benefits, so they don’t qualify under the cost of living payment scheme. If your benefit claim had a temporary gap during the eligibility period, you might also have missed out.
How the Payment Was Delivered
Depending on the benefit you receive, either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) processed the payment. The money was sent to the bank account linked to your usual benefit payments.
How to Identify the Payment:
| Agency | Bank Statement Reference |
| DWP | DWP COL |
| HMRC | HMRC COLS |
If you didn’t spot this reference between 6–22 April 2024, your payment might be missing or delayed.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive the Payment
If you think you should have received the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment but haven’t, take the following steps:
- Check Your Bank Statement
Search for payments labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 and 22 April 2024. - Review Your Benefit Eligibility
Confirm you were receiving a qualifying benefit continuously between 13 November and 12 December 2023. - Use GOV.UK’s Missing Payment Tool
Report a missing payment directly through the official GOV.UK Cost of Living Payment page. - Contact Your Benefit Provider
Call DWP or HMRC for updates on your benefit status or to verify whether your payment was processed.
Late Eligibility and Backdated Claims
In some cases, you may still qualify even if you didn’t receive benefits during the eligibility period, particularly if you applied for Pension Credit after the deadline but had it backdated.
To be eligible under backdated claims:
- You must have applied for Pension Credit by 5 March 2024.
- Your claim should cover the eligibility period (13 Nov – 12 Dec 2023).
- If approved, the £299 payment will be made automatically. If not, submit a missing payment request.
Common Reasons for Missing or Delayed Payments
Several technical or administrative issues can cause payment delays:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Outdated Bank Info | Your account details with DWP or HMRC might be wrong |
| Claim Changes | A gap in your benefits claim during the eligibility period |
| Fraud Checks | Some payments were held for additional verification |
| Processing Delays | High transaction volume caused delays for some banks |
If any of these issues apply to you, contact the appropriate benefit office for clarification.
Avoid Scams: Stay Safe
Unfortunately, benefit payments attract fraud attempts. Always be cautious.
- DWP and HMRC will never ask for personal details via email, text, or phone.
- Don’t click on links in suspicious messages.
- Always visit official government websites to check for updates.
- Report scam attempts to Action Fraud UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No. It was automatically issued to eligible claimants based on benefit records.
2. I applied for Pension Credit late—can I still qualify?
Yes, if you applied before 5 March 2024 and your claim was backdated to the eligibility period.
3. How do I check if I received it?
Check your bank for a deposit labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” made between 6 and 22 April 2024.
4. What should I do if I didn’t get the payment?
Confirm eligibility and report a missing payment via GOV.UK or contact your benefits office.
5. Can I be scammed by someone pretending to offer this payment?
Yes. Always ignore calls or messages asking for personal details. Use GOV.UK for accurate info.
Conclusion
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was a critical financial lifeline for many during difficult economic times. If you were eligible but didn’t receive the payment, take action quickly—review your benefit records, check your bank statements, and contact the proper channels to resolve the issue.
