The most vulnerable people in the North East could be eligible for new cost of living support payments worth up to £1,350.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will make the first payment to millions of UK households between April 25 and May 17. 

The payment of £301 is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, in 2023/24.

This follows the £650 Cost of Living Payment made to more than eight million people in 2022.

There will also be further payments worth £150 for eligible disabled people and £300 for pensioners due later this year, meaning the most vulnerable can receive up to £1,350 in direct payments.

The payments will be spread throughout the year to help families get through difficult times.  

Here's the full list of dates for cost of living payments in 2023/24 as well as those who are eligible for the upcoming round.

When will DWP cost of living payments be paid?

Exact payment windows for the remaining four DWP cost of living payments will be announced in due course. They are broadly as follows:

  • £301 – First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – April 25 to May 17
  • £150 – 2023 Disability Payment – during summer 2023
  • £300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during autumn 2023
  • £300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – during winter 2023/4
  • £299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during spring 2024

Read more: How much cost of living cash you can claim from the Government and Bradford Council

Who can claim cost of living payments this year?

The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the upcoming Cost of Living payment are those who receive:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit

The qualifying period for this payment is between 26 January and 25 February 2023.

The DWP is also encouraging low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as they can still qualify for the £301 cost of living payment if they make a successful backdated Pension Credit application by May 19.