Britons who claim benefit support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be entitled to backdated cost of living payments despite the Government scheme no loner being active.
Between the 202 and 2024, households in receipts of benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension, were awarded additional financial aid to help pay for inflation-hiked prices and soaring energy bills.
Despite the initiative being over, the DWP has provided an update on the "Cost of Living Payments" page on GOV.UK, which indicates some households could be eligible for a backdated claim.
The department noted a computer program was utilised to identify eligible benefit claimants for cost of living payments.
Are you due a backdated cost of living payments?
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People who did not receive any of the one-off payouts, but believe they should have, can now “contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it”.
The Government department stated: "[We] use a solely automated system to identify and pay those eligible to receive a cost of living payment. I
"If you are not content with this decision you can contact us to ask us to explain how the decision was made. You, or someone who has authority to act for you, can do this by writing to or phoning the office who pays your qualifying benefit."
"Tell us if you think we have overlooked something, or you have more information which might change the decision. You can do this by phoning the office that pays for your qualifying benefit."
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During the pandemic, cost of living payments were handed out
| GETTYPensioners across the country are expected to receive up to £300 in energy bill support thanks to the recently revised Winter Fuel Payment scheme.
The scheme now covers pensioners earning £35,000 or less annually who were born before September 22 1959. To qualify, individuals must have reached state pension age by September 21 2025, the final day of the qualifying period that runs from 15 to 21 September.
Households will receive £200 as standard, while those with a resident aged over 80 will get £300. The DWP confirmed that eligibility and payment amounts are determined by circumstances during the September qualifying week.
Those earning above £35,000 yearly will have their Winter Fuel Payment automatically reclaimed through PAYE or Self-Assessment procedures by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
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These payments will be distributed automatically during November and December, requiring no action from eligible recipients.
Joint payments will be issued to pensioners who don't claim income-related benefits like Pension Credit.
The department emphasised that receiving the Winter Fuel Payment won't impact other benefit entitlements.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Britons have been saddled with inflation-hiked prices
| GETTYClaimants are reminded that the DWP will begin posting notification letters during October and November to inform eligible pensioners of their payment amounts.
According to the department: "You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get, if you're eligible."
Recipients don't need to take any action as the process is entirely automatic. The DWP advises: "If you do not get a letter but think you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim."
The department has assured pensioners that "any money you get will not affect your other benefits," providing reassurance about the payment's impact on existing support.