People on Universal Credit are just realising they can get a £300 direct payment – and it’s coming sooner than you think

HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit are only just realising they're set for a £300 cash boost within days.

The cash is another government cost of living payment, which is due to land in accounts between October 31 and November 19.

Those eligible for the tax-free payment won't have to do anything as it will be made automatically.

But some people are only just realising that the payment is on the way.

Post in the Facebook group Scrimping on a Budget, one person said: "Does anyone know how many cost of living payments there are supposed to be this year?

"I did receive a letter at the beginning of the year saying that I am eligible for it."

While another wrote: "Does anyone kindly know the dates for the cost of living payment?"

The full list of benefits that qualify people for the payment is:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based jobseekers allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Child tax credit
• Pension credit

You need to have been entitled to a payment for any of the qualifying benefits above between August 18 and September 17 to be eligible for the free cash.

If you were later found to be entitled to any of the above benefits between the same dates you will also be eligible for the payment too.

Households on tax credits only will receive their payment from HMRC between November 10 and 19.

This is to ensure that those on other benefits and tax credits will not get the payment twice.

The payment reference for bank accounts will be the recipient’s National Insurance number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS.

For example, if your NI number is JT 83 42 97B your payment will show up as "JT 83 42 97B DWP COLP" or "JT 83 42 97B HMRC COLP" on your bank statement.

The £300 payment is the second of three payments that form the £900 support.

The first instalment worth £301 was paid out to over eight million households in April and May.

The final £299 cost of living payment will be made in the spring of 2024.

It follows the £650 cost of living payment made to over eight million people in 2022.

Meanwhile, we explain the full list of cost of living cash worth up to £1,085 landing in bank accounts by Christmas.

Plus, thousands of households can get up to £100 additional free cash to help with the cost of living.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.