A £300 Cost of Living Payment is scheduled for mid-July 2025, offering welcome relief to millions of UK households feeling the continued impact of inflation, rising energy bills, and higher food and housing costs. This one-off payment, issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be automatically deposited into the accounts of those receiving qualifying means-tested benefits.
Here’s a complete breakdown of who is eligible, how and when the payment will be made, and what steps to take if your money doesn’t arrive on time. No applications are necessary—just ensure your benefit status was active during the qualifying period in June.
What Is the £300 Cost of Living Payment?
The £300 Cost of Living Payment is part of the UK government’s ongoing support initiative for households that continue to experience financial strain. This mid-year disbursement targets low-income individuals and families relying on income-related benefits.
Funded and distributed by the DWP, the payment will be made automatically, meaning no one needs to apply. If you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the set eligibility period—5 June to 25 June 2025—you should receive the money straight into your usual benefit-linked bank account.
This support is meant to cushion the impact of inflation-related pressures, which have left many households stretched thin over essentials such as groceries, rent, and energy bills.
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Amount | £300 (one-off payment) |
| Payment Window | Mid-July 2025 (mostly by end of July) |
| Eligibility Dates | 5 June – 25 June 2025 |
| Eligible Benefits | Means-tested benefits (UC, ESA, JSA, etc.) |
| Application Required | No – paid automatically |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit to account used for existing benefits |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, claimants must have received at least one means-tested benefit during the qualifying window of 5 June to 25 June 2025. Even if the benefit amount was low or reduced to zero due to income changes, some cases may still be eligible.
Accepted benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
As long as your benefit claim was active and eligible during the qualifying dates, you’re on the list. The payment is designed to assist households managing rising costs without requiring extra paperwork.
This payment also supports recipients over the summer period when some costs, such as food and transport, typically rise due to seasonal factors.
When Will You Get Paid?
The DWP will begin issuing payments in mid-July 2025, and most recipients can expect to see the money in their account by the end of the month. Since this is an automatic transfer, it will appear in the same account where you currently receive your benefits.
No notification or confirmation letter will be sent in advance. Instead, you’ll want to regularly check your bank statement during this time. Look for the transaction marked with a reference such as “DWP COLP” followed by your National Insurance number.
Keep in mind that some banks may process payments slightly slower, so a short delay isn’t uncommon.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
If your £300 doesn’t appear in your account by early August 2025, don’t worry—but take action promptly. Here’s what to check and do:
1. Wait a Few Extra Days
Government payments sometimes take additional time due to bank processing.
2. Verify Your Bank Details
Ensure the account linked to your benefit payments is active and correct.
3. Confirm Your Benefit Status
You must have been eligible between 5 June and 25 June 2025. If your payments were stopped or paused during that time, you may not qualify.
4. Contact the DWP
If all else checks out and you still haven’t been paid, get in touch with DWP directly. You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number and benefit claim details.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to apply for the £300 payment?
A = No, it will be paid automatically to those eligible.
Q: When will I receive the £300?
A = Payments begin mid-July 2025, with most completed by month’s end.
Q: What if my payment hasn’t arrived by August?
A = Contact the DWP with your benefit and NI details for follow-up.
