Thousands of Welsh households to receive £300 Cost of Living payment
422,000 households are eligible across Wales for the £300 from the UK Government
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
More than 420,000 households who receive some form of benefits in Wales will receive a one off payment of £300 from the UK Government.
It's the second of three means-tested payments meant to help the vulnerable with the cost of living crisis, totalling £900.
The payments are being rolled out across Wales from today, something the UK Government says demonstrates their 'commitment to supporting the most vulnerable with the cost of living'.
Those entitled do not need to apply for the payment or do anything to receive it, with payments made during this window to be staggered over the next couple of weeks meaning not everyone entitled to receive a payment will receive it today.
Over the summer period, a £150 payment was provided to eligible disabled people.
Pensioner households will also receive £300 which will be paid as a top up to those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in November and December.
A further cost of living payment will be made to eligible households by Spring 2024 – meaning support for some will top £1,350.
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Tackling inflation is the best way to boost people’s incomes, but as we work to halve it, we are protecting the most vulnerable households from high prices with this latest Cost of Living payment.
“Work Coaches are based in Jobcentres across Wales and are on hand to help people find work or enhance their skills. I encourage anyone wanting to strengthen their finances and unleash the benefits of work to contact their local Jobcentre to see what help is available.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Its good news that inflation is falling and wages are growing, but prices are still too high. Our plan to halve inflation this year is the best thing we can do to help people, with this £300 payment offering a timely boost before Christmas."
Welsh Secretary, David TC Davies, said: “We know that the cost of living is continuing to have an impact on people which is why the UK Government is supporting over 420,000 low income households in Wales with this payment of £300, as part of a broader package of support.
“At the same time, we are working hard to reduce inflation, which will help everyone in Wales and across the UK with their finances.”
Throughout 2022, cost of living support payments have been handed to eligible households, now worth an average of £3,300 this year and last.
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, or payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates.
The eligible benefits are Universal Credit; Pension Credit; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; and Child Tax Credit.
The DWP continues to encourage low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as – thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules – they could still qualify for both the second Cost of Living Payment as well as the third payment due by Spring 2024.
Those in need are also encouraged to contact their local council to see if any additional support is available in their local area, such as through the DWP’s Household Support Fund in England, worth over £2 billion across its lifetime.