188ÌåÓý

This research was conducted on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) with recipients of Cost of Living Payments.

Research backgroundÌý

The Cost of Living Payments (CoLPs) were lump-sum payments intended to support immediate pressures faced by the most vulnerable households impacted by the rise in the cost of living. This report presents findings from the evaluation of the 2023 to 2024 payments.ÌýÌý

The evaluation assessed the extent to which the payments helped recipients manage the increased cost of living, and how this varied between groups. To that end, the evaluation looked at which expenses became most difficult for recipients to afford, the extent to which recipients were aware of the payments, what they spent the payments on, and the impact they felt the payments had.Ìý

Related pagesÌý ÌýÌ�

Cost of Living Payment management informationÌý

Household Support Fund management informationÌý

Evaluation of the Household Support Fund 4

Contribution to the evidence baseÌý

This research provides evidence of the CoLP Scheme’s effectiveness at providing emergency financial support for the most vulnerable and low-income households during a time of high cost-of-living, including:ÌýÌý

• the extent to which payments offset cost-of-living pressures for different groups

• the long-term and unexpected impactsÌýÌý

• understanding what elements of the policy design were most effective and for which groupsÌý

Research valueÌý

This research helps the DWP to better understand what works, in what ways, and for whom when providing emergency support in the form of lump sum payments. This evidence is crucial for informing future policy decisions on welfare policy and emergency support provision.