Cost of living payment with expired tax credits

Sorethumbs66

Just thought I'd share this

My tax credits final payment for my daughter was early in August. So when I saw the letter indicating the 2nd cost of living payment would only apply to those receiving a tax credit payment from the 22nd August I realised I would not receive the 2nd payment.

Last night the payment was made to my account anyway. I queried this with the tax credits helpline today as I was worried I hadn't actually qualified and may be asked to pay the money back.

It turns out my last tax credits award of around 9th August covers the month of August as I am paid 4 weekly.  And i was told yes payment is outside the window but I was entitled to the 2nd cost of living payment as my tax credits are still active for the remainder of the month.

Meaning I qualified for the 2nd payment.

Not sure if that will help anyone in the same situation that has tax credits ending in August due to their child leaving for uni or anything else.

Still it would be best to check with them just to make sure but just sharing what happened 

strawb_shortcake

That isn't quite the exact guidance, I've copied the guidance below, you qualify by meeting either of the criteria. I assume you qualify on the second point as did I. 

You will be eligible for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 if you received, or later receive, for any day in the period 26 August 2022 to 25 September 2022 either:

• a payment of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023
• an annual award of at least £26 of tax credits for the tax year 2022 to 2023

Sorethumbs66

Ah I may have misunderstood the 2nd bullet point. Never mind