Schools are back and there is plenty to pay for, but the good news is that the second cost of living payment could be just weeks away. Those who receive certain benefits or tax credits may be eligible for the government's cost of living payments, which are aimed to help those who are struggling with rising bills.

LancashireLive has reported that Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis believes the next payments are likely to be made in October or November. The £300 payment is being given to those on means-tested benefits and follows the £301 sent out to millions of people in April and May.

An update on when the payment will be made is expected this month and the consumer champion predicts the actual date the payment will land in bank accounts to be October or November.

In the past, the DWP has announced dates for cost of living payments around a month before they are sent out and it is thought that at least the qualifying dates for people who will be eligible, will be revealed in September. A third payment of £299 is due in spring next year.

Do I qualify for the Cost of Living payment?

You may be entitled to the Cost Of Living payment if you already claim any of the following benefits or receive tax credits:

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

£300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Pensioners who were entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment are set to receive an additional amount of £300 per household this winter. The £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will be made during the winter of 2023/4, although no date has yet been confirmed for this.

Winter fuel payments

You may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2023 to 2024 if you were born before September 25, 1957. If you are entitled, you will be sent a letter between October and November telling you how much you're entitled to receive.

Cold weather payments

These are issued by the DWP when average temperatures in a particular area are recorded or are forecast to be at zero degrees or lower over a seven-day period. Those people eligible receive £25 for each period where this happens.

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