Help for Households
The government is offering support for households, including help with household costs, energy bills, childcare costs, transport costs, help finding work, cost of living payments and discounts and offers.
Find out more about Help for Households on GOV.UK
Households who claim qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Tax Credits, will receive their first payment of £301 in May 2023, as part of £900 worth of direct help for households.
- DWP claimants will receive their second Cost of Living payment of £300 in autumn 2023, with the third payment of £299 being made in the spring of 2024
- payments will automatically be made to everyone eligible, with no need for anyone to apply
The payments are made directly into eligible recipients' bank accounts, with no need for people to apply or do anything to receive it.
The payment reference on DWP recipients' bank accounts will be their national insurance number, followed by "DWP COL".
For HMRC recipients the payment reference will be "HMRC COLS".