Good morning everyone. Im posting this to see if there are any others out there who are in a similar situation to me who can perhaps give me some clarification on the 2023 cost of living payment. I have read the guidance from the DWPs website which states that universal credit claimants will be eligible for the cost of living payment if they were entitled to a payment for an assessment period ending between the 26th January and the 25th of February. My assessment period starts on the 20th and ends on the 19th of the next month with my payment date being the 26th of the month. For my assessment period of 20th January to 19th of February i received a NIL award due to a sanction i received for breaking the rules of my claimant commitment by missing an appointment with my work coach which disqualifies me from the payment. But the guidance also says you may still be eligible for the payment if you received a nil award but received a hardship payment as a result of the sanction. I did receive a hardship payment as a result of the sanction but i could not apply for a hardship payment until the 26th February as that is the date i was supposed to receive my allowance for the assessment period 20th January to 19th February. The 26th happened to be a Sunday so i applied for a hardship payment on the Monday and received it the day after on the 28th February. I am unsure weather or not i will receive the payment as this is 3 days after the qualifying period ended. Or does this not matter as long as the hardship was the result of a sanction? Im slightly confused. Is anyone else in a similar situation? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou!
