If rising food bills, rent, and energy costs are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and the UK Government is stepping in. This June, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will issue a one-time £299 Cost of Living Payment to support lower-income households. This tax-free payment is part of a wider plan aimed at easing ongoing financial pressure.
If you’re already receiving benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, this payment will go straight into your bank—no application needed. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, timing, and how it fits into the broader support system.
Overview
This £299 payment is part of the UK Government’s continuing Cost of Living Support. It’s designed to be quick, simple, and automatic—helping people handle essential expenses like food and housing without added paperwork.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Window | June 15 to June 31, 2025 |
| Eligibility | UC, Pension Credit, Income-based benefits |
| Application Needed? | No |
| Payment Method | Direct to bank |
| Administered By | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Official Site | www.gov.uk |
Features
Here’s what stands out about the £299 support:
- It’s a one-time payment, not ongoing
- No application needed if you’re already on a qualifying benefit
- Paid directly to your existing bank account
- It’s tax-free and won’t impact any of your other benefits
- Will appear on bank statements as “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS”
The goal is to make the process as smooth and fast as possible for those who need help most.
Eligibility
You’ll qualify if you were receiving any of the following during the upcoming eligibility period (exact dates to be announced):
- 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 from HMRC
Note: You must have been living in the UK during the qualifying window.
Timeline
Payments will roll out during a short two-week period starting mid-June:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date | June 15, 2025 |
| End Date | June 31, 2025 |
| Reference | “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” |
There’s no need to apply—if you qualify, the money will appear automatically.
Purpose
Why this payment now? Simply put, it’s to ease the pressure of everyday essentials. With inflation still raising prices, this payment helps families deal with:
- Energy bills
- Grocery costs
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Prescription and healthcare needs
It offers short-term relief and helps reduce the risk of falling into debt.
Support
The £299 payment is just one piece of the government’s broader safety net for 2025. Other help includes:
- Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners
- Energy bill support for vulnerable households
- Council Tax rebates
- Local council support funds
Together, these measures offer more comprehensive help in tough economic times.
Action
Haven’t seen your payment by the end of June? Follow these steps:
- Check your bank for “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS”
- Make sure you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the eligibility window
- Still missing it? Reach out to DWP or HMRC
Useful resources:
- Visit: www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
- Call: Phone numbers vary by benefit (listed on the website)
Tips
Beyond this one-time payment, there may be more help available:
- Check if you’re eligible for Council Tax Reduction
- Get budgeting help from Citizens Advice
- Apply for emergency grants through your local council
- Speak to a debt advisor if you’re falling behind on bills
FAQs
Who gets the £299 payment?
People on UC, ESA, JSA, Pension Credit, or Income Support.
Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No, it’s automatic if you meet the criteria.
When will I receive the payment?
Between June 15 and June 31, 2025.
What does DWP COL mean?
It’s the payment reference from DWP on your bank statement.
What if I don’t receive it by June end?
Contact DWP or HMRC via official website or phone.
