Cost of living payment error?

[Mamathebest]

Hello hoping someone can advise. I have been in receipt of UC since June 2022. I have received payment every month so far. I received the last Cost of living payment in 2022 with no issues. I have not received the payment for 2023 (April/May). My UC payments have continued as normal in this period and my circumstances did not change.

I recently contacted UC who said it might be because my assessment period doesn’t align with the entitlement. My assessment period is always the 7th-6th of every month.

I’m sure this is not correct as the assessment period is only relevant for those who have just started a new claim or have received nil rewards? My claim began in May/June 2022.

The UC advisor seemed adamant this wasn’t the case. Also I’m not sure why I’ve received the previous COL payments if that was the case? I’m so confused and really needed this payment.

I would ask again on the journal, and asked when the eligibility date was.

Contact citizens advice, they will be able to support you to find out why you haven't had the payment.

Assessment period dates would not matter if you get a payment every month. If you have regularly had a payment each month you should be eligible as you would have had a payment during the qualifying period. You can report a missing payment on the Gov .uk site.

Report a missing Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)

It will simply be that you have been missed.... unfortunately the computer payments were sent out up to 3 May..after that all payments were processed manually...over a hundred thousand people get missed every time there is a COL payment..inevitability when dealing with an outdated computer system and millions of claims. Report a missing payment and see what happens.

Hi did you report a missing payment and had any response? I noticed I didn't receive a payment either but did receive the last one.

Just be wary what happens you doesn't happen me, they overpaid me and 2 years later said they made a mistake and I owe them 726, like i have that kind of money hanging around. It is always like they want to put you in debt, so I wouldn't trust UC as far as I can throw them if I was you.

Hi! Just to update you all the money was sent to my bank account yesterday. I did the missing payment form on the 18th. There were no messages/letter about it. Just the money deposited into the account. Seems they may have just forgotten some people.

wow that is quick. Pray I get mine soon thanks :-)

@mumznet did it take long for you to hear back and receive payment? having to fill it in for myself

@Mamathebest did it go in overnight or through the day like a faster payment?

@unicornwonders I haven't received anything so far, maybe I don't qualify. For these payments I think they actually specify clearly on the bank statement as cost of living / or something like that? I have had a recent small payment, but that says UC next to it and its around over £80 only, so I didn't think this was the cost of living payment.

@Mamathebest did yours actually specify on bank statement what the payment was? so I mean it doesn't go in as universal credit? Thanks