The latest guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explains when people can request a review of their cost of living payments and identify eligible claimants for payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed earlier this year that there are no plans to issue any more cost of living payments in 2025.
Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP rolled out a series of one-off payments to help people manage the cost of living crisis as energy bills and inflation rocketed to record-breaking heights. However, in a fresh update on the dedicated Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK, DWP reveals that a computer programme was utilised to identify eligible claimants for payments.
Those who didn’t receive any of the one-off pay-outs, but believe they should have, can now “contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it”.
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The update states: “DWP uses a computer program to identify those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment. If you are not content with this you can contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it.”
A complete list of all the Cost of Living Payments issued by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), along with the qualifying period for entitlement, can be found on GOV.UK.
These include:
- Low income cost of living payments for people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Tax Credits
- Disability cost of living payments – for people on disability benefits
- Pension cost of living payments – for people over State Pension age
Energy bills are set to climb on October 1 and wavering inflation rates means people are still paying more for everyday food items, clothing and fuel, reports the Daily Record.
However, many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 10 minutes to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure going into summer. Low-income individuals could be eligible for savings of up to £850 annually through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, exclusively available in Scotland.
According to recent data from the Scottish Government, nearly half a million households (one in five) qualified for a Council Tax Reduction in July – full details on how to claim can be found here.
Pensioners with a low income might be entitled to an average income boost of £4,300 through Pension Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions’ latest figures suggest that 760,000 people are eligible for this means-tested benefit but aren’t claiming it.
Some pensioners mistakenly believe that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit. However, even an award of just £1 per week can unlock additional support.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older individuals, or their friends and family, can quickly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
Individuals under the State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could fetch between £29.20 and £187.45, equating to some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
Those over the State Pension age with health conditions might qualify for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, amounting to some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period.
While an online benefits calculator isn’t a magic solution to financial woes, it can provide a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could potentially claim – but the onus is on you to actually submit the application.
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There’s a broad spectrum of benefits and payments available that you should investigate.
You should check if:
- You are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
- you are of working age on a low income
- You are over State Pension age on a low income
- you have been made redundant
- you are looking for work
- you are raising a family
- you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
- you are disabled or have a health condition
- you’re caring for someone
- you have lost a loved one
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators swiftly determine if you’re missing out on any benefits and best of all, they’re completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes, you could discover how much extra support you may be able to claim, simply by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can utilise an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help.
Advice Direct Scotland.
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits including Scottish Child Payment and Adult or Child Disability Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments. Find out more here.
The benefits calculators below offer details on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be impacted if you commence work or alter your working hours.
What you will need before you start
- Assemble the following information before you begin and the entire process should only take around 10 minutes:
- Savings Income, including your partner’s
- Existing benefits and pensions – including anyone living with you
- Outgoings – such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments
- Your latest Council Tax bill
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