Pension Credit
Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as they can still qualify for the £300 Cost of Living Payment if they make a successful backdated Pension Credit application by 10 December 2023.
This means-tested Cost of Living Payment is for those on low-income benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and Tax Credits and is in addition to the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. Check eligibility and apply for Pension Credit at gov.uk/pensioncredit.
Help for Households – Pensioner Cost of Living Payments and Winter Fuel Payments
Over 8 million pensioner households will receive the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, worth £300. This is in addition to the payment made last year, which was also worth £300.
To receive this payment, pensioners must be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment. They can get this for winter 2023 to 2024 if they were born before 25 September 1957. It is also dependent on their circumstances between 18 and 24 September 2023, the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week.
Payments will normally be made automatically alongside the Winter Fuel Payment in November or December. This will be done via usual payment methods – people do not need to contact DWP to apply for the payment.
Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living, including Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments, at gov.uk/helpforhouseholds.
They also have a new Winter Fuel Payment video that provides more information including eligibility and payment. The videos are also in Welsh and British Sign Language.