The UK Government is rolling out more help for families and individuals facing rising costs this year. In June 2025, a new DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment will land in the bank accounts of millions of people.
It’s the latest move from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ease the pressure of high bills, food prices, and housing costs for those on lower incomes. Let’s take a closer look at what this payment is, who gets it, and when to expect it.
Overview
Here’s a quick summary of the important details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Window | June 15, 2025 to June 31, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based benefits |
| Application Required? | No |
| Payment Method | Direct bank deposit |
| Administered By | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Official Site | gov.uk |
Features
This new £299 cost of living payment comes with several useful features designed to keep things simple and effective. It’s a one-time, tax-free payment. No application is needed as it’s issued automatically to those who qualify.
The payment is made by direct bank transfer to the account where you currently receive your benefits. It’s available to people who are on specific means-tested benefits and should appear in your account with a reference like “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS.”
Eligibility
To be eligible for this payment, you’ll need to be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (in certain confirmed cases via HMRC)
You must have received one of these benefits during a qualifying period, which the DWP will confirm. You’ll also need to be living in the UK during those qualifying dates to receive the payment.
Payment Schedule
The government has laid out a clear payment timetable to make sure everyone knows when to expect their money.
| Payment Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date | June 15, 2025 |
| End Date | June 31, 2025 |
| Payment Method | Direct bank transfer |
| Reference Code | “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” |
There’s no need to fill in any forms or apply separately. If you’re eligible, the money will land in your account automatically.
Support
This payment is designed to ease the strain on families dealing with higher-than-usual bills for things like gas, electricity, groceries, rent, and healthcare. It’s part of a wider set of cost of living support initiatives aimed at helping households stay afloat during a difficult economic period.
Broader Context
The £299 payment is one part of a larger cost of living support strategy from the UK Government. Other measures include energy bill assistance, Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, council tax rebates, and local welfare schemes delivered by councils.
Together, these programmes create a financial safety net for those hit hardest by inflation and rising costs.
Next Steps
If you think you should receive this payment but haven’t seen it by the end of June 2025, you should:
- Check your bank statement for a payment reference like “DWP COL”
- Make sure you meet the qualifying criteria
- Contact the DWP or HMRC through the official helplines or websites
For extra help, you might also want to review your eligibility for other benefits, check out local council grants, or speak with a budgeting advisor through organisations like Citizens Advice.
FAQs
When will the £299 payment arrive?
Between June 15, 2025 and June 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the payment?
Those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, or Income Support.
Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No, it’s issued automatically if you qualify.
How will the payment appear on my statement?
It will show as ‘DWP COL’ or ‘HMRC COLS’ in your bank account.
What should I do if I don’t get paid?
Contact DWP or HMRC via official channels after June 2025.
