As of April 2025, the UK government concluded its £900 Cost of Living Support scheme with a final one-off payment of £299. Issued to eligible low-income households, this payment served as a critical financial aid during a period of sustained economic strain, marked by inflation, soaring energy prices, and food cost surges. It was part of a broader government initiative to alleviate the impact of the cost of living crisis.
This comprehensive guide details the eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and steps to take if you haven’t received your payment. With increasing public concern over delays and confusion about qualification, understanding how the payment process worked is essential.
Overview of the £900 Cost of Living Support Package
The government provided three payments totaling £900 to help low-income households manage essential living expenses throughout 2024 and into 2025.
| Installment | Amount | Distribution Period |
|---|---|---|
| First | £301 | Spring 2024 |
| Second | £300 | Autumn 2024 |
| Final | £299 | 6–22 April 2025 |
These payments were distributed automatically to qualifying individuals, requiring no application.
Who Qualified for the £299 Cost of Living Payment?
To receive the final £299 installment, claimants needed to have been receiving specific means-tested benefits during the eligibility period of 13 November to 12 December 2024. Qualifying benefits included:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Only continuous benefit recipients during the eligibility window were eligible. There was no need to apply, as payments were made automatically based on existing records.
Who Was Not Eligible for the Payment?
Not all benefit recipients qualified. Those receiving non-means-tested benefits were excluded, including:
- New Style ESA
- New Style JSA
- Contribution-based ESA or JSA
Additionally, individuals whose benefits were interrupted during the qualifying period may have been excluded from the payment.
How Payments Were Delivered
Payments were processed by either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), depending on the type of benefit received. Funds were transferred to the same account used for regular benefits.
| Agency | Bank Statement Reference |
| DWP | DWP COL |
| HMRC | HMRC COLS |
If you did not see either reference in your bank statement between 6 and 22 April 2025, your payment may have been delayed or not issued.
Steps to Take If You Didn’t Receive Your Payment
If you’re expecting the payment but haven’t received it, here are your next steps:
- Check Your Bank Statement: Look for references like “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” within the payment window.
- Review Your Eligibility: Confirm continuous receipt of a qualifying benefit between 13 November and 12 December 2024.
- Use the GOV.UK Missing Payment Tool: Report your issue using the official portal.
- Contact Your Provider: Call DWP or HMRC to verify your benefit status or confirm payment processing.
Late Eligibility & Backdated Pension Credit Claims
Some individuals may still qualify through backdated claims. If you applied for Pension Credit by 5 March 2025 and your claim covered the eligibility period, you could still receive the £299 payment automatically.
Common Reasons for Delays or Missing Payments
Several common issues can cause payment problems:
| Reason | Description |
| Outdated Bank Info | Incorrect account details on file |
| Claim Interruptions | Gaps in benefit claims during the eligibility window |
| Fraud Checks | Some payments held for verification |
| Processing Delays | Banking backlogs or high transaction volumes |
Avoiding Scams: Stay Vigilant
Scammers may attempt to impersonate government agencies. Protect yourself:
- Never share personal or banking details via unsolicited emails, texts, or calls.
- Do not click links in suspicious messages.
- Only check payment status through the official GOV.UK website.
- Report scam attempts to Action Fraud UK.
Conclusion
As the cost of living crisis continues to affect UK households, understanding support payments is essential. The £299 Cost of Living Payment was a vital lifeline for many and understanding your eligibility, payment status, and next steps if something went wrong ensures you don’t miss out on your entitlements.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
Eligibility was based on receiving a qualifying benefit continuously between 13 November and 12 December 2024.
Can I still get the payment if I apply for Pension Credit now?
No. The deadline for Pension Credit applications that could be backdated to qualify for the £299 payment was 5 March 2025.
How will I know if I received the payment?
Check your bank statement for entries labeled “HMRC COLS” or “DWP COL” from 6 to 22 April 2025.
What if my benefit was interrupted during the eligibility period?
Interruptions may disqualify you from receiving the payment. Contact your benefit provider for clarification.
Is there a way to report a missing payment?
Yes, visit GOV.UK’s official Cost of Living Payment page and use the missing payment form.
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