DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment has provided crucial support for many UK households as they continue to face high inflation and increasing living costs in 2025. This payment is the final installment of the government’s £900 cost of living support package, aimed at helping low-income individuals manage everyday expenses like food, energy, and housing. While most payments were issued automatically between 6 May and 22 May 2025, some people are still unsure about their eligibility or are waiting for their payment to arrive.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment—from who qualifies to what steps to take if your payment hasn’t been received.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was introduced to provide targeted financial relief to people on means-tested benefits. Managed by both the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), this payment was designed to automatically reach those most affected by rising living expenses. However, understanding how the payment system works and knowing what to do if issues arise is key to ensuring you get the support you’re entitled to.
Overview of the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Support Package | £900 across three payments |
| Final Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Dates | 6 May – 22 May 2025 |
| Eligibility Period | 13 November – 12 December 2024 |
| Qualifying Benefits | Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit, Tax Credits |
| Payment References | “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” |
| Non-Eligible Benefits | New Style ESA, Contribution-based ESA, New Style JSA |
| Action for Missing Payment | Report via GOV.UK |
Breakdown of the £900 Support Scheme
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment completes the government’s £900 support scheme, which was rolled out over the 2024–2025 financial year to help households cope with ongoing financial pressures. The structure was as follows:
- First Payment: £301 in Spring 2024
- Second Payment: £300 in Autumn 2024
- Final Payment: £299 in May 2025
These staggered payments were designed to offer consistent support throughout the year.
Eligibility Criteria for the May 2025 Payment
To receive the final DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals must have been receiving one or more of the following means-tested benefits during the qualification window of 13 November to 12 December 2024:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
If you were receiving these benefits without interruption during the specified period, the payment should have been processed automatically.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Not everyone receiving benefits qualified for the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. Those who were only on non-means-tested or contributory benefits were excluded. These include:
- New Style ESA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style JSA
Additionally, if your benefit payments were paused or interrupted during the eligibility window, you may not have qualified for this final installment.
Payment Delivery Details
Payments were made automatically, with no need for an application. Depending on which benefits you receive:
- If paid by DWP, your bank statement should show “DWP COL”.
- If paid by HMRC, it will appear as “HMRC COLS”.
This streamlined process was intended to ensure fast and efficient distribution, but delays or errors can still occur.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Payment
If your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment hasn’t arrived by late May 2025, take these steps:
- Check Your Bank Statements: Look for payments marked “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 May and 22 May.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Review your benefit status for the period between 13 November and 12 December 2024.
- Report a Missing Payment: Use the official form available on GOV.UK to notify authorities of any missing payments.
- Contact DWP or HMRC: If you still have concerns, reach out directly to the relevant department for assistance.
Backdated Pension Credit Claims
If you applied for Pension Credit after 12 December 2024 but before 5 March 2025, and your claim was successfully backdated to cover the qualification period, you could still receive the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. If both conditions are met, the payment should be issued automatically.
If you haven’t received it, ensure you contact DWP to clarify your status.
Common Reasons for Payment Delays
There are several reasons why your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment might be delayed:
- Incorrect or outdated bank details on file
- A pause or review in your benefit payments during the eligibility period
- High administrative workload causing processing delays
- Routine fraud prevention checks slowing down disbursement
If you suspect any of these issues, it’s important to act quickly and contact your benefits provider.
Staying Safe from Scams
Scammers often take advantage of government payment schemes like the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. To protect yourself:
- Remember that DWP and HMRC will never ask for your personal details via phone, text, or email.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages about payments.
- Always verify information using the official GOV.UK website.
FAQs
What should I do if I think I’m eligible but didn’t receive the £299 payment?
Check your benefit records for the eligibility period. If you qualify, report the missing payment through GOV.UK.
Can I still get the payment if my Pension Credit was backdated?
Yes, if your application was submitted before 5 March 2025 and backdated to include the qualifying window.
Will there be more cost of living payments later in 2025?
As of now, no further payments have been announced. Keep an eye on official updates.
Are Tax Credit-only recipients eligible?
Yes, if you were receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit during the qualification period, you should receive the payment via HMRC.
What if I changed banks recently?
If DWP or HMRC wasn’t informed of your new bank details, contact them to update your records and avoid delays.
Final Thought
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is a vital source of financial relief during challenging economic times. While the system is designed to be automatic, issues can still arise. By understanding the eligibility rules, checking your payment status, and using official channels to report problems, you can ensure you receive the support you deserve.
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