New cost of living payment dates announced
The Department has announced that the second £300 low income (means-tested) Cost of Living Payment will be paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023. This will be the second payment out of three instalments, totalling £900 altogether, which are designed to support eligible people on means-tested benefits with the cost of living.
£300 Cost of Living Payment eligibility
You are eligible for a cost of living payment:
- If you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023.
- If you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023.
- If you received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023, or if you later receive a payment for any day in that period.
You can find more information on the nidirect website.
As the UK’s cost of living crisis deepens, it is more important than ever that people in Northern Ireland receive the financial help they are entitled to. We responded earlier this year to the Work and Pensions Inquiry into Cost of Living Payments – a crucial opportunity to ensure that the rights of the most vulnerable are protected.
We are also challenging a decision to deny one of our clients, who is homeless, access to a Cost of Living payment – a lifeline for those who are receiving means-tested benefits.
Our client ‘Lisa’ would have been entitled to this Cost of Living Payment had she not been homeless and living in temporary accommodation. Because of this she was denied the payment that she desperately needs. By bringing a Judicial Review to the High Court, we hope to ensure access to this vital payment not only for Lisa, but for others who may also have been treated unfairly.
You can read Lisa’s story here.