August 2023 DWP cost of living payments, benefits, and changes
As summer 2023 gets underway, stubbornly high inflation is still causing financial headaches for many households across the country.
As the Bank of England attempts to combat inflation, rises in interest rates have meant that mortgage payments have increased sharply for some, making for an unwelcome addition to the cost of living crisis.
Today, it was announced that the average two-year mortgage rate is at its highest since August 2008.
Keeping a close eye on your finances and planning for any upcoming changes is one of the most straightforward ways to avoid any nasty surprises.
As such, here are upcoming Department of Work and Pensions changes due to take place in August 2023.
Changes to benefit payment dates
Benefit payments (such as Child Benefit) are occasionally altered if the payment date falls on a bank holiday.
When this happens, the payment date is usually brought forward.
For some, a payment is due to be made on August 28, 2023, which is a summer bank holiday. As such, the DWP confirmed the new payment date will be August 25 – though this may depend on the type of benefit you receive.
Universal Credit changes
A major Universal Credit change will occur in some areas of the country in August 2023.
The ‘managed migration’ scheme is set to be implemented in five UK regions. This will involve moving individuals receiving legacy benefits, including tax credits, to Universal Credit.
The regions affected are:
- West Scotland
- West Yorkshire
- Staffordshire
- Derbyshire
- South London
From August, the DWP will contact anyone affected, and they will have three months to make the change.
Missing cost of living payment reporting
If you believe you qualified for a DWP cost of living payment but, for whatever reason, were not paid, then you can report a missing payment via the gov.uk website.
Since July 5, 2023, you are able to report a missing £301 Cost of Living Payment (for a low-income benefit) and/or the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment – meaning you will still be able to report a missing payment in August 2023.
Payments should have been made automatically, but you can report their absence if you cannot locate it on your bank, credit union, or building society statement.
The gov.uk website states that you should not report the same missing payment more than once.
Household Support Fund
Announced in 2021, the Household Support Fund saw a significant increase in funding in March 2022.
The scheme has since been extended until 2024.
Mims Davies MP, DWP Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said at the time: ‘This significant extension to the Government’s Household Support Fund is hugely welcome – as it has already helped millions of vulnerable families across England through these financially-testing times and will continue to do so over the next year.’
The fund has taken the form of small payments to allow daily needs such as food, utilities and clothing to be covered by cash payments or voucher schemes.
Although the main focus has been on councils in England receiving funding, it was divided up to allow up to £79 million worth of the money to be divided among the devolved nations.
The scheme is in place until March 31, 2024, meaning it will be available (subject to your area) in August 2023.
You can find your local authorities’ website using the Gov. UK postcode checker.
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