£300 Second Cost of Living Payment: The £300 Second Cost of Living UK payment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support households facing financial pressure. With energy bills, groceries, and daily essentials continuing to rise, millions across the UK are relying on targeted payments to help manage the cost of living. These payments, issued automatically to eligible recipients, aim to ease the financial burden for low-income families and individuals.
While there is no new £300 payment scheduled for April 2025, the second instalment under the existing cost-of-living support package is confirmed for later in the year. This article explains everything you need to know, including payment dates, eligibility criteria, and how to report missing payments if needed.
£300 Second Cost of Living UK
The second instalment of the £300 Second Cost of Living UK payment will be distributed between 31 October and 19 November 2025. This payment follows the first instalment of £301, issued between 25 April and 17 May 2025, and will be followed by a third payment of £299 expected in spring 2026. These payments form part of a broader £900 cost of living support package introduced to help households receiving means-tested benefits.
Importantly, no application is required. If you’re eligible, the payment will be deposited directly into your bank account by either the DWP or HMRC, depending on which benefits you receive.
Overview Table: £300 Cost of Living Payment Details
| Payment Type | Amount | Payment Dates |
| First Cost of Living Payment | £301 | 25 Apr – 17 May 2025 |
| Second Cost of Living Payment | £300 | 31 Oct – 19 Nov 2025 |
| Third Cost of Living Payment | £299 | By Spring 2026 |
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 | By 1 April 2025 |
Who Is Eligible for the £300 Payment?
To receive the £300 Second Cost of Living UK payment, individuals must have been eligible for one of the qualifying benefits during the assessment period between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023. Eligible benefits include:
Means-Tested Benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
Eligibility Notes:
- If you receive both Working and Child Tax Credits, only Child Tax Credit will be considered.
- If you’re eligible for both Tax Credits and a low-income benefit, the DWP will process your payment.
- Eligibility is determined automatically by DWP or HMRC, based on benefit records during the qualifying period.
How Payments Will Be Delivered
No action is required to receive the £300 payment. As long as you were receiving eligible benefits during the qualification window, the money will be paid directly into your bank account. The deposit will include a reference such as “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” depending on who issues it.
If you’re entitled to both DWP and Ministry of Defence benefits, only one payment will be issued—typically from the DWP.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
If you don’t see the payment in your bank account by 20 November 2025, you can report a missing payment through the official government portal. Before doing so, make sure you:
- Confirm your eligibility by reviewing your benefit records for the qualifying period.
- Check your bank account for any deposits with the proper reference.
- Wait until after the payment window ends before reporting it as missing.
Delays can happen, especially around bank holidays, but payments are usually processed within the scheduled period.
Disability Cost of Living Support
In addition to the main £300 payment, individuals receiving disability-related benefits may also qualify for an extra £150 payment. This support was scheduled to be issued by 1 April 2025.
Eligible benefits include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
As with the other cost of living payments, no application is required. Those eligible should receive the money directly from the DWP.
Additional Support Available
While the £300 payment is not scheduled for April 2025, other local and national schemes may be available, such as:
- Household Support Fund (administered by local councils)
- Energy bill grants or vouchers
- Food bank referrals or council crisis payments
It’s worth checking your local council’s website or speaking to Citizens Advice for support. Some schemes have application deadlines, so staying informed is key.
Key Points to Remember
- The second £300 payment will be distributed between 31 October and 19 November 2025.
- You do not need to apply—payments are automatic for eligible benefit recipients.
- Check your benefit entitlements during 18 August to 17 September 2023 to determine eligibility.
- Use GOV.UK to report a missing payment after the payment window ends.
- A £150 disability payment has already been issued by 1 April 2025.
- Look into other available local support funds for extra assistance.
FAQs
When will the second £300 Cost of Living payment be made?
Between 31 October and 19 November 2025, depending on your benefit provider.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
No, the payment is made automatically if you qualify.
What if I don’t receive the payment by the end date?
You can report a missing payment via the GOV.UK website from 20 November 2025.
Can I receive both disability and cost-of-living payments?
Yes, if you meet eligibility for both schemes, you can receive them separately.
How can I confirm if I’m eligible?
Check your benefits during the assessment period (18 August – 17 September 2023) or speak to Citizens Advice.
