Check if you're eligible for £301 helping hand as thousands receive cost-of-living payments

The Department for Work and Pensions said 99 per cent of the seven million households eligible across the country had been sent the money and the rest would be paid by May 17.

The payments are the first of three new Cost of Living Payments worth up to £900 in 2023/24 for those eligible, although some people will receive up to £1,350

The DWP said the payments showed “the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families with financial pressures”.

Mel Stride, secretary of state for work and pensions, said: “Paying more than seven million households £301 in a little over a week underlines our commitment to ensure those on the lowest income are protected from the worst of rising prices and give them peace of mind.

“With further payments due to be made later this year and in 2024, we will continue provide support to those who need it most while we tackle inflation and grow the economy.”

The Cost of Living Payments, spread across 2023/24, are worth up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits.

The next payment for those on means-tested benefits is due in the autumn, with the third instalment due next spring.

These are accompanied by a £150 payment for people on eligible disability benefits this summer, and a £300 payment to top up Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the end of 2023, meaning some will receive up to £1350.

People will be eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment if they have been entitled to a payment for one of seven benefits between January 26 and February 25.

The eligible benefits are: Universal Credit; Pension Credit; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit.

The DWP encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a qualifying benefit to use a gov.uk benefits calculator to check their entitlement.

In particular, low-income pensioners should check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as they may still be able to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment, and subsequent payments, if they make a successful backdated application by May 19.