Those on low incomes are due to receive a £300 cost of living payment from the 31st October 2023. This follows the first instalment of £301, which was paid in April/May 2023. The payment is part of a Cost of Living support package introduced by the government to help those most vulnerable with the rising costs of living.
In this article we share when the autumn Cost of Living Payment is due to be paid, who is eligible and what support is available for those struggling to afford their household bills. For more information on Cost of Living Payments and how to save money on your bills and spending, read our 'Cost of Living guide'.
When is the autumn Cost of Living Payment being paid?
The second Cost of Living payment will be paid to those eligible between 31st October 2023 and 19th November 2023. If eligible, you may have also received a £301 instalment earlier in the year and may also receive the final £299 instalment expected in Spring 2024. Eligible pensioners can also benefit from a further £300 instalment in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment later this year. A full breakdown of the Cost of Living Payments and eligibility can be found in our 'Cost of Living guide'.
The payment will be paid automatically to those eligible and you do not need to contact anyone to receive it. If you do not receive a payment, however, and believe you are eligible, you can report a missing payment here. It is worth considering, however, that receiving a previous Cost of Living Payment does not automatically make you eligible to receive the autumn payment as you have to meet the eligibility criteria, detailed below.
Cost of Living Payment dates
The following table shows the expected Cost of Living Payment dates for 2023/2024.
| 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment | 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment amount | Expected payment date |
| First Cost of Living Payment | £301 | 25/04/23 - 17/05/23 |
| Second Cost of Living Payment | £300 | 31/10/23 - 19/11/23* |
| Third Cost of Living Payment | £299 | Spring 2024 |
*Tax credits-only customers will receive the payment between 10th and 19th November 2023.
Who is eligible for the autumn Cost of Living Payment?
If you receive, or are later found to have been entitled to receive, one of the following listed benefits between 18th August 2023 and 17th September 2023 you are eligible to receive the second Cost of Living Payment in October/November 2023:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Additional help if you're struggling with the cost of living
If you are struggling with the rising cost of living there are a number of debt charities and websites that can provide additional support on how to manage your spending. You may also be able to contact your local council to find out if you are eligible for any additional support from the Household Support fund.
We have a number of articles on the MTTM website with additional information on the support available as well as tips on how to save money on your day-to-day spending. Find out more below:
- A complete guide to Cost of Living Payments, eligibility & money saving tips
- How to save money on your household bills
- Free budgeting spreadsheet
- 50 ways to make extra money
- Find out what benefits you are entitled to
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