DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: With inflation and rising living costs continuing to strain UK households in 2025, the government has provided vital financial relief through the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. This payment marks the final installment of the £900 support package designed to help low-income individuals and families manage essential expenses like food, energy, and housing. While most payments were issued automatically in May 2025, many people are still unsure if they qualified or what steps to take if their payment didn’t arrive.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment, including eligibility, payment details, common issues, and how to report a missing payment. Staying informed is key to making sure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was processed between 6 May and 22 May 2025 as part of the government’s £900 cost of living support scheme. This package was targeted at people on means-tested benefits, offering three payments across the 2024–2025 financial year to ease financial pressure. Unlike other forms of support, this payment was automatic—meaning no application was needed if you met the criteria. However, delays and missed payments have been reported, making it important to check your status.
Overview of the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Support Package | £900 across three installments |
| Final Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Window | 6 May – 22 May 2025 |
| Eligibility Period | 13 November – 12 December 2024 |
| Qualifying Benefits | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, ESA, Income Support, Tax Credits |
| Payment References | “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” in bank statements |
| Non-Eligible Benefits | New Style ESA, Contribution-based ESA, New Style JSA |
| Official Action | Report missing payments via GOV.UK |
Breakdown of the £900 Support Scheme
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment was the final part of a three-part support scheme:
- First Payment: £301 in Spring 2024
- Second Payment: £300 in Autumn 2024
- Final Payment: £299 between 6 May and 22 May 2025
These installments were structured to provide steady financial help throughout the year, targeting those hit hardest by economic challenges.
Eligibility Criteria for the May 2025 Payment
To qualify for the final DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals needed to be receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits during the eligibility window from 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 received these benefits without interruption during that period, your payment should have arrived automatically.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Certain groups did not qualify for the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. These include individuals receiving only non-means-tested or contributory benefits such as:
- New Style ESA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style JSA
Additionally, if there was a break or pause in your benefit payments during the eligibility period, you may have missed out on this support.
Payment Delivery Details
Payments were sent directly to bank accounts linked to your benefit claims:
- Payments from DWP appeared as “DWP COL”
- Payments from HMRC appeared as “HMRC COLS”
No application was necessary, and the goal was to deliver funds efficiently. However, if you didn’t receive your payment by late May, further action was required.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Payment
If your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is missing, follow these steps:
- Check Your Bank Statements: Look for payments labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” within the payment window.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Review your benefit status for the period between 13 November and 12 December 2024.
- Report Missing Payments: Use the official GOV.UK portal to submit a missing payment form.
- Contact DWP or HMRC: If problems continue, speak directly with the relevant department.
Backdated Pension Credit Claims
If you applied for Pension Credit after the eligibility window but before 5 March 2025, and your claim was successfully backdated to include 13 November to 12 December 2024, you could still receive the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment. In such cases, DWP should issue the payment automatically once your claim is processed.
Common Reasons for Payment Delays
Several factors might explain why your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment hasn’t arrived:
- Incorrect or outdated bank account details
- A pause or review in your benefit payments during the qualification period
- Administrative backlogs due to high claim volumes
- Delays from routine fraud prevention checks
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to contact your benefits office as soon as possible.
Staying Safe from Scams
Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of government payment schemes. Protect yourself by remembering:
- DWP and HMRC will never ask for personal or bank details via text, email, or phone calls.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages about payments.
- Always verify payment information directly through GOV.UK.
FAQs
What should I do if I think I’m eligible but didn’t receive the £299 payment?
Check your benefit status for the eligibility period. If you qualify, report the missing payment using the GOV.UK form.
Can I still get the payment if my Pension Credit was backdated?
Yes, if your claim was submitted before 5 March 2025 and backdated to cover the qualification period.
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 received Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit during the qualifying period, the payment would be processed by HMRC.
What if I changed banks recently?
If DWP or HMRC wasn’t informed about your new bank details, this could delay your payment. Contact them to update your records.
Final Thought
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment has provided essential support during tough economic times, but it’s important to ensure you’ve received what you’re entitled to. If your payment is missing or delayed, taking quick action can help resolve the issue. Always stay informed, be cautious of scams, and use official channels for any queries.
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