The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a two-week warning for the upcoming £300 cost of living.

The benefits department shared a post on social media urging people over the state pension age to put in a claim for Pension Credit before December 10 next month. This is because those who make a claim before this date may also be eligible to receive the £300 cost of living payment.

Pension Credit is a benefit for older Brits who are on a low income. If you’re eligible to claim it, your weekly income will be topped up to £201.05 a week, or to £306.85 if you’re in a couple. You could also get more if you have other responsibilities and costs. Claiming Pension Credit also allows you to claim other benefits and support.

These can include Council Tax discounts, Housing Benefit, a free TV licence if you’re over 75, the Warm Home Discount worth £150 each year, Cold Weather Payments worth £25, free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses.

In its X, formerly Twitter, post, the DWP said: "Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs Apply by 10 Dec and, if eligible, you could also get an extra £300 Cost Of Living Payment. Don’t miss out."

If you make an application now - or before the deadline - and you are accepted, your application will be backdated by three months. This means you will receive three months' worth of payments. This backdating of the benefit also places you in the qualifying week for the cost of living payment.

Thousands of people are currently eligible to claim Pension Credit but are not. As of writing, the DWP estimates that around 880,000 people are eligible for the support.

You can apply for Pension Credit online on the Gov.uk website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can also get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.

You will also need the following information on you before applying:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Information about any income, savings and investments you have
  • Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
  • Your bank, building society or credit union account details