Millions will rely upon the cost of living payment again this autumn and winter (Picture: PA)

The cost of living crisis has stretched millions of people’s finances, with many still struggling to make ends meet – in spite of a fall in inflation and the energy price cap.

Inflation dropped to 7.9% in July – the lowest reading since March 2022 – while Ofgem have announced that the energy price cap will drop to £1,923 as of October 1 – but in spite of this bills and the cost of food are set to remain high this autumn and winter.

With that in mind, many are still set to turn to the Government for additional financial help during the colder months, in order to tackle those essential bills.

For those awaiting Cost of Living payments here are the key Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) dates you need to know for the coming months.

What are the key dates for Cost of Living payments?

Here are all the dates you need to know…

Cost of Living payment

A second Cost of Living Payment of £300 is expected to arrive in autumn 2023.

No exact payment date has been announced at the time of writing.

In 2022, the two cost of living payments totalling £650 were sent out four months apart, the first in July and the second in November.

However, the government has said it is expected to arrive in ‘Autumn’ meaning the date could be in September and October.

Following the second payment, a third Cost of Living Payment of £299 is set to arrive sometime in early 2024, although the date has yet to be confirmed.

Who is eligible for the Cost of Living Payment?

You may be entitled to the Cost Of Living payment if you already claim any of the following benefits or receive tax credits on certain dates:

Make sure you know what you’re entitled to (Picture: Getty Images)

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Income Support

Pension Credit

Universal Credit

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

The payment will be made separately from your benefit payments.

£300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Any pensioners who were entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an additional amount of £300 per household this winter.

The £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will be made during the winter of 2023/4, although no date has yet been confirmed for this.

All these cost of living payments will be tax-free, will not impact any existing benefits, and won’t count towards the government’s benefit cap.

Winter Fuel Payment

This amount will depend on when you were born and your circumstances during the qualifying dates.

You could get a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2023 to 2024 if you were born before September 25 1957.

If you’re eligible you’ll be sent a letter between October and November telling you how much you are entitled to.

MORE : DWP £300 cost of living payment scam warning to anyone due Autumn cash boost

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Know what financial assistance you’re getting.