Many people who have yet to receive their £300 cost of living payment should have been given an update from the Department for Work and Pensions [DWP]. The DWP began depositing money last week as part of their overall package of support, worth up to £900 between now and next spring.

The money will be sent directly into accounts without the need to apply - including to 422,000 people in Wales who receive benefits. It is thought that, according to a WalesOnline report, there are around 830,000 people on tax credits by HMRC who have yet to receive their money.

The DWP has now issued an update for those people advising them on when to expect their money. The department sent a text message to eligible HMRC claimants on Friday, November 3, saying: “HMRC: £300 Cost of Living Payment to be paid automatically between November 10-19 to eligible tax credits customers. Search ‘Cost of Living Payments’ on GOV UK.”

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You should be aware that receiving this text, or if you have received a previous cost-of-living payment, does not mean you qualify for the third instalment of the combined £900 package, the £299 due before next spring. You must meet the eligibility criteria during the qualifying period for this to be the case.

To be eligible for the cost-of-living payment from HMRC, you need to have received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period between August 18 and September 17 this year. If you do not receive the money automatically but think you should have received it, you should wait until after November 20 to contact HMRC and report a missing payment.