The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced a series of cost-of-living payments to support millions of UK households facing financial difficulties. As part of this initiative, a final payment of £299 was issued in early 2025 to assist those most affected by rising living expenses.
For those who have not received their payment or are unsure of their eligibility, this guide provides detailed information on eligibility criteria, payment dates, and steps to take if your payment has not arrived.
£299 Cost of Living Payment Released by DWP
The table below provides key details regarding the £299 cost-of-living payment:
| Title | DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Total Support Package | £1,350 |
| Final Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Period | 6 February – 22 February 2025 |
| Eligibility | Based on benefits received in the qualifying period |
| Official Website | www.gov.uk |
Why Was the £299 Cost of Living Payment Issued?
The UK has experienced a significant rise in living costs, including higher prices for food, energy, rent, and transportation. The government introduced these payments to:
- Provide financial relief to low-income individuals and families
- Offset the impact of inflation on essential goods and services
- Ensure continued support for those already receiving government benefits
This payment was the final installment of a £900 cost-of-living scheme that aimed to support vulnerable households between 2024 and 2025.
Breakdown of Financial Support Payments
The government distributed a total of £1,350 in cost-of-living payments across different stages. Here’s a summary:
| Payment Amount | Payment Dates | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| £301 | 25 April – 17 May 2024 | Initial support for rising living costs |
| £300 | 31 October – 19 November 2024 | Continued assistance as inflation increased |
| £299 | 6 February – 22 February 2025 | Final installment to provide further financial relief |
Eligibility Criteria
The £299 payment was automatically deposited into the accounts of individuals already receiving means-tested benefits during the qualifying period. These benefits included:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Important Notes on Eligibility
- No application was required—payments were made directly to eligible individuals.
- If you recently applied for benefits, you may still be eligible if your claim was approved later.
- If you received benefits under a joint claim, the payment was made to one bank account associated with the claim.
Haven’t Received Your £299 Payment? Here’s What to Do
If your payment is missing or delayed, follow these steps to confirm your status and resolve any issues:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the eligibility period.
- Confirm that you met the income and household requirements.
Step 2: Review Your Bank Statements
- The payment should appear in the same bank account used for receiving benefits.
- Check for deposits made between 6 February and 22 February 2025.
- If you receive benefits jointly, confirm with the other account holder.
Step 3: Understand Potential Delays
- Some payments may be delayed due to technical or processing issues.
- Allow additional time before assuming your payment is missing.
Steps to Take If Your Payment Has Not Arrived
If you have not received your £299 payment, follow these steps to report the issue:
1. Report the Missing Payment Online
- Visit the official UK government website at www.gov.uk.
- Use the DWP cost-of-living payment portal to report missing payments.
- Ensure you have the following details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance (NI) number
- Address and contact details
2. Contact the DWP Directly
- Call the DWP helpline and speak with an advisor.
- Provide your NI number and benefit details for verification.
- Be prepared for processing times of up to two weeks for a response.
3. Follow Up If Necessary
- If you do not receive a response within two weeks, follow up with the DWP.
- You only need to report a missing payment once—the DWP will investigate and update you.
Other Financial Assistance Available
While the £299 payment was the final installment in this support scheme, other financial aid options remain available for those struggling with living expenses.
1. Household Support Fund
- Purpose: Helps cover costs for food, utilities, and essential household expenses.
- How to Apply: Visit your local council’s website for eligibility and application details.
2. Local Council Assistance Programs
- Some councils provide one-time payments (up to £140) to help cover energy bills and other essential costs.
- Contact your local council to see if you qualify for additional financial support.
3. Discretionary Housing Payments
- Provides extra support for rent payments if you already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
- Applications can be submitted through your local council’s housing team.
| Financial Support Program | What It Provides | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Household Support Fund | Help with essentials like food and utilities | Apply via local council website |
| Council Assistance Programs | One-off payments for utility bills | Contact your local council |
| Discretionary Housing Payments | Additional rent support | Apply through council’s housing team |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was eligible for the £299 cost-of-living payment?
Eligibility was based on receiving means-tested benefits during the qualifying period.
When were the £299 payments made?
Payments were issued between 6 February and 22 February 2025.
How can I check if my payment has been sent?
Log into your bank account and check for a deposit from DWP in February 2025.
What should I do if I haven’t received my payment?
Report a missing payment via www.gov.uk or contact the DWP helpline.
Do I need to apply for this payment?
No, the payment was automatically deposited into eligible individuals’ bank accounts.
Are there any future cost-of-living payments planned?
As of now, the £299 payment was the final installment, but other assistance programs remain available.
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