We could be in line for a £300 boost soon if we’re claiming UC or certain other benefits

If we’re eligible for a £300 Cost of Living Payment from the government, we now know when these will be paid.

The autumn instalment is the second of three Cost of Living Payments, which together add up to £900 in support.

If we’re eligible we don’t have to do anything – the money will be paid into our usual account. If we’ve been contacted and told to apply, beware – this could be a scam.

We should be eligible if we’re on Universal Credit, or certain other benefits. We have to have been claiming in a certain period to qualify.

The government has now revealed the dates when we can expect the payment.

If we’re on UC, income-based JSA, income-based ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit we should get our payment between 31 October and 19 November 2023.

The government has said most people will receive their money between these days. But if we haven’t, and we think we’re eligible, we’ll be able to report it missing from 20 November.

If we’re on Tax Credits only, the payment should be made between 10 November and 19 November.

We won’t pay tax on the payment and it won’t affect the other benefits we get, although it will be paid at a separate time.

A final Cost of Living Payment of £299 is due to be paid in spring 2024.

It follows a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment that was made in summer to those of us who qualified.

And for those of us who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, we’ll get an extra £150 or £300 with our normal payment from November.

We can get a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter if we were born before 25 September 1957.

Image: Keira Burton