DWP Cost of Living Payments 2025: Eligibility, Dates & Amounts

The DWP Cost of Living Payments are one of the most important forms of government support for households across the UK in 2025. With rising food prices, high rent, and ongoing energy bill challenges, many families and pensioners rely on these payments to manage their everyday expenses.

Here’s a quick overview for 2025:

£900 total support for households on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit
£150 one-off payment for people on disability benefits
£300 pensioner top-up added to the Winter Fuel Payment
Automatic payments straight into bank accounts — no need to apply
Three instalments across the year: February–March, June–July, and November

Now, let’s break down everything you need to know about eligibility, payment amounts, and dates for the 2025 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cost of Living Payments.

What Are the DWP Cost of Living Payments in 2025?

The DWP introduced cost of living payments during the energy and inflation crisis of 2022. Since then, they have continued each year to provide extra support for households struggling with the rising cost of essentials.

In 2025, the scheme has been extended again. Instead of one-off lump sums, payments are split into three instalments, which helps families spread the support over the year. This structure gives people a more reliable financial cushion for energy bills, rent, and groceries.

Unlike some other government schemes, the DWP Cost of Living Payments are tax-free, do not affect benefit entitlement, and are paid automatically to those who qualify.

Who is Eligible For DWP Cost of Living Payments in 2025?

Do Universal Credit claimants qualify?

Yes, people on Universal Credit can receive the payments, but only if they were entitled to a payment during the set assessment dates. This ensures that support reaches those who are actively claiming rather than people with short-term or past claims.

Universal Credit claimants qualify if their award covered the official assessment period.
Payments are made automatically using the same bank details as your Universal Credit award.
No separate application is needed — if you meet the criteria, the payment is added automatically.

Are pensioners and people on Pension Credit included?

Yes, pensioners who receive Pension Credit also qualify. Pension Credit is a particularly important gateway benefit because it not only tops up income but also gives access to other forms of support.

Pensioners on Pension Credit automatically receive the cost of living payments.
Claims for Pension Credit can be backdated up to three months, meaning some pensioners could still become eligible for the 2025 instalments if they apply now.
Pensioners will also receive the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment added to their Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/26.

Do disability benefit claimants get extra support?

Yes. People on disability-related benefits receive an additional one-off payment because the government recognises the higher costs faced by disabled people, such as extra heating or running medical equipment.

Eligible benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance.
The £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment will be made in summer 2025.
Payments are made directly to claimants, regardless of whether they also receive other benefits.

What about joint claims or households?

Households with joint claims have slightly different rules. While the means-tested payments are made per household, disability payments are paid to individuals.

Couples making a joint claim will receive one cost of living payment per household for means-tested benefits.
If both partners also qualify for disability benefits, they will each receive the £150 disability payment separately.
This ensures that extra costs linked to disability are recognised for both individuals, even if they live in the same home.

How Much Are the DWP Cost of Living Payments in 2025?

What is the amount for means-tested benefits?

Households on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based ESA, JSA, or Income Support are entitled to the main £900 support package. The payment is divided into three instalments to help people manage rising costs more steadily throughout the year.

Total support for 2025 is £900, split into three payments of £300 each.
The instalments are expected in February–March, June–July, and November 2025.
Payments are made automatically into the same account as your benefit.
Claimants do not need to apply — eligibility is determined by being in receipt of a qualifying benefit during set assessment dates.

How much will pensioners receive?

Pensioners are supported with an additional payment linked to the Winter Fuel Payment. This extra support helps cover heating costs during the colder months, when older households often face the highest energy bills.

Pensioners entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.
This is paid automatically alongside the Winter Fuel Payment during winter 2025/26.
The payment is available across the UK and does not require a separate application.
Pensioners who are also on means-tested benefits may receive both the £900 support and the £300 pensioner payment.

What is the disability cost of living payment?

Disabled people face higher living costs, such as increased energy bills or costs for specialised equipment. To help with this, the government is continuing the additional disability payment in 2025.

The Disability Cost of Living Payment is a one-off payment of £150.
It will be paid in June 2025 to eligible claimants.
Qualifying benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance.
Claimants may receive this payment on top of the £900 means-tested support if they also qualify through Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

When Will the DWP Cost of Living Payments Be Made in 2025?

The government has confirmed that the 2025 payments will be spread throughout the year. This makes them easier for households to plan around compared to one-off lump sums.

Here is the official schedule:

First instalment (£300): February–March 2025
Second instalment (£300): June–July 2025
Third instalment (£300): November 2025
Disability payment (£150): June 2025
Pensioner payment (£300): Winter 2025/26

Payments are made directly into bank accounts, using the same details as benefit payments. They usually appear with codes such as DWP COLP or HMRC COLS.

If you think your payment is missing, wait until the full payment window has closed before contacting the DWP, as payments are often staggered.

Do you Need to Apply For the DWP Cost of Living Payments?

Are applications required?

You don’t need to fill out any forms or apply separately for these payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC use existing benefit records to decide who is eligible.

Payments are automatic for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria.
They are sent to the same bank account used for your benefit payments.
There are no online or paper applications for this scheme.
If you receive a qualifying benefit, the payment will be added to your account during the official payment window.

What if you believe you’re eligible but didn’t get the payment?

Sometimes eligible people don’t see the payment arrive. In these cases, it’s important to check the details carefully before assuming something has gone wrong.

Confirm that your benefit was active during the official assessment period.
Wait until the entire payment window has closed, as payments are often staggered.
If the payment is still missing, contact the DWP or HMRC using the same helplines you would for your benefit.
If you still believe you were unfairly excluded, you can request a mandatory reconsideration, which is the process for challenging decisions.

How Do the 2025 DWP Cost of Living Payments Compare With Previous Years?

What support was given in 2023 and 2024?

2023: £900 for means-tested benefits, £150 disability payment, £300 pensioner top-up
2024: £900 for means-tested benefits, £150 disability payment, £300 pensioner top-up

Are the 2025 payments higher or lower?

The amounts in 2025 are exactly the same as in the past two years, but their real value has fallen because of inflation. While campaigners welcome the continuation of the scheme, they argue that more needs to be done to address long-term affordability.

2025 package:
- £900 for means-tested benefits
- £150 disability payment
- £300 pensioner top-up
Charities and financial experts highlight that costs for energy, food, and rent have increased while payments have not.
The payments act as short-term relief, but many groups call them a “sticking plaster” rather than a permanent solution.

As financial expert Martin Lewis explained:

“The 2025 Cost of Living Payments are welcome, but they are a sticking plaster, not a long-term fix.”

What Other Government Help is Available in 2025?

The cost of living payments are not the only support available. The government continues to provide extra schemes to help households cope with bills.

Additional support includes:

Household Support Fund – council-run schemes offering vouchers, food, and help with bills
Warm Home Discount – £150 off electricity bills for eligible low-income households
Energy Company Obligation (ECO+) – grants to improve energy efficiency at home
Local council welfare schemes – emergency payments and food support, varying by region

Households should check their local council website to see what extra help is available in their area.

Conclusion

The DWP Cost of Living Payments remain an essential source of support in 2025. With £900 for low-income households, £150 for disability claimants, and £300 for pensioners, these payments provide much-needed relief during a period of high living costs.

However, while they ease financial pressure, they do not completely cover the impact of inflation. For this reason, households should also look into additional schemes such as the Household Support Fund, Warm Home Discount, and local council grants.

The payments are automatic, simple, and tax-free — a vital lifeline for millions across the UK.

FAQs on DWP Cost of Living Payments

How many cost of living payments will there be in 2025?

There will be three instalments of £300, plus a £150 disability payment and a £300 pensioner payment.

Do I need to apply for the DWP Cost of Living Payments?

No, the payments are automatic if you receive a qualifying benefit.

Can I get the cost of living payment if I’ve just started claiming benefits?

Yes, but only if your claim covered the official assessment dates.

Do carers qualify for the DWP Cost of Living Payments?

Carers qualify if they receive a benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

Will the DWP Cost of Living Payments affect my tax or benefits?

No, they are tax-free and don’t affect other benefit entitlements.

What should I do if I haven’t received my cost of living payment?

Wait until the payment window closes, then contact the DWP or HMRC if it’s missing.