DWP to start paying millions of people £300 in one week

Millions of people across the country will begin receiving an extra £300 in cost of living support from next month.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will begin issuing the second round of Cost of Living Payments from October 31 for those who claim means-tested benefits. The payments will be issued across a three-week period, with the government confirming that most payments will be issued by November 19.

Next week's payment is part of a wider cost of living support scheme from the government, which will see a total of £900 paid out across 2023/24 to millions of benefit claimants. The one-off £300 payment is intended to provide relief amid the rising cost of living and can be used to help afford things such as rent, food, bills, and other basic necessities.

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Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “The best way we can boost bank balances is by bearing down on inflation, but as we get there, we are ensuring the most vulnerable households are cushioned from high prices with a further Cost of Living payment."

In order to qualify for the autumn cost of living payment, you must have received payment for an eligible means-tested benefit or Tax Credit during the qualifying period between August 18, 2023 and September 17, 2023.

The £300 payment will be made to eligible households receiving the following benefits:

You will not get a payment if you are only getting:

Furthermore, you will not be eligible for the payment if your Universal Credit payment was reduced to £0 during