Millions received a £324 cost of living boost from the Government in November, but what should you do if you missed out on one?

More than 8 million households on low-income benefits were set to receive the sum this month, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed.

The DWP said households receiving DWP benefits should have received the second part of the £650 cost of living payment from November 8 to 23.

Those eligible for the payment would have seen the money paid into their bank accounts automatically.

In a small minority of cases claimants may receive payments later than November 23.

So, what should you do if you haven’t received the payment?

Who is eligible for £324 cost-of-living payment?

The first thing to do is to check if you were eligible to receive the boost.

The £324 payment was due to anyone receiving any of the following means-tested benefits.

These include:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support and Pension Credit

How to report a missing payment

If you think you should have had the £324 payment, but you cannot see it in your bank, building society or credit union account, you can report a missing Cost of Living Payment.

In order to report a missing payment, you will need your National Insurance number.

Guidance says: “You'll need your National Insurance number. If you've lost your National Insurance number, check how to find a lost National Insurance number.

“Before reporting a missing payment, check your bank, building society or credit union account, or your Payment Exception Service voucher receipt. The payment will be made separately from your benefit.

“Do not report the same missing payment more than once. We will reply to you as soon as we can.”

You can report your missing payment here.