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Did you miss your first Cost of Living Payment this year?

People on specific means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA (income related only), Income Support and Working Tax Credits, should have already received a one-off payment of £301 towards the cost of living crisis. This money was paid between 26 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 (slightly different dates applied to those on Tax Credits only). 

To be eligible for the Cost-of-Living Payment, you must have been entitled to payment for one of these benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023. 

Please note if you recently became eligible for Pension Credit (i.e., made a claim on or before 19 May 2023). The award was backdated to 25 February 2023 or before – you should still get the payment. 

£150 Cost of Living Payment for those with a Disability

People on Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance will receive a one-off payment of £150 between 20 June and 4 July 2023. Again, if you have made a new application for one of these benefits but have not yet had a decision, and this decision is later backdated, you could still be entitled. 

How to report a missing £301 Cost of Living Payment 

You can report a missing Cost of Living Payment if you think you should have had the £301 payment but cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account.

Report a missing Cost of Living Payment.

Scam Warning: Payments are made automatically like you usually get your Benefit payments. If you receive a text message, phone call or email inviting you to make an application for one of these payments, please be careful – it could be a scam.  

Calling all our Residents on Pre Payment-Meters – last chance to use or claim your Energy Vouchers: 

Around 25% of vouchers in the South East of England are yet to be claimed.

Households on prepayment meters must claim their Energy Support vouchers by 30 June if needed. You will not be able to use them after this date. If you are on a prepayment meter and haven’t received vouchers (one a month for around £66.00 from October 2022 to March 2023, worth a total of £400.00), please get in touch with your Energy Supplier as soon as possible. 

Scammers want to steal your money – please be vigilant.

It is not just the elderly and vulnerable that are being caught out. With the increased use of smartphones, social media etc., anyone can be a victim. Remember, Banks, Amazon, Retailers, HMRC etc., will NEVER contact you for your passwords, pin numbers, bank details etc. Never click on links in texts or emails, and never give anyone remote access to your online devices. Be wary of automated calls. Watch out for messages that try and rush you into taking urgent action. If you have any doubts, step away, wait a while and speak to a friend or member of your family first. 

The online Which group has a – free scam alert service that can help you spot and avoid the latest scams.

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