News from our partners: Cost of living payment – HMRC SMS to tax credits claimants
News from our partners HM Revenue and Customs
Today HMRC is sending an SMS text message to tax credits recipients reminding them that the £300 autumn cost of living payment will be paid to eligible customers between Friday 10 November and Sunday 19 November 2023.
The message reads:
HMRC: £300 Cost of Living Payment to be paid automatically between 10-19 November to eligible tax credits customers. Search ‘Cost of Living Payments’ on GOV UK
If claimants are eligible and receive tax credits, and no other qualifying benefits, they will receive their payment from HMRC, to help with everyday costs.
Customers do not need to do anything to receive a payment. If they are eligible, payment will be made automatically into the bank account where they receive their tax credits. They do not need to contact us or apply for the payment.
Receiving the SMS, or a previous cost of living payment, doesn’t guarantee a customer will be eligible for this or future payments. They must meet the separate eligibility criteria for each payment, as published on GOV.UK.
The HMRC payment will appear on bank statements as ‘HMRC COLS’, referencing cost of living support. If customers have not received the cost of living payment from HMRC, but believe they are eligible, they should wait until Monday 20 November of after to contact us. This is to allow time for their bank, building society or credit union to process the payment.
If tax credits customers haven’t received the text message, they should check their mobile number is up to date so they can receive such future communications from HMRC. They can do this online by searching for ‘HMRC services’ on GOV.UK.
Our customers need to be aware of scams.
The HMRC text message sent today is for information only. We do not ask our customers to reply to it, and it won’t include any links. We do not ask for any personal or financial details in the message.
Visit GOV.UK for more information on how to report a scam or suspicious activity. Check on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRC.
Details of the £300 cost of living payment from DWP and HMRC were publicised in September and October 2023.
