DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment has become a vital support for millions across the UK in 2025, especially as inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets. Designed as the final installment of a three-part support package, this payment was rolled out to eligible recipients between 6 April and 22 April 2025. However, many are still left confused after not seeing the payment in their accounts.
If you are among those who expected the payment but didn’t receive it, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from checking your eligibility to what actions to take next. We’ve also included tips to avoid scams and ensure you don’t miss future government payments.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is part of a larger £900 government aid initiative designed to help low-income households manage rising costs in food, energy, and housing. It represents the final installment of the three scheduled payments issued across the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
The payment was automatically deposited into the accounts of qualifying individuals, with no need for a separate application. Those who met the criteria should have seen the amount show up in their accounts with the reference “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS”, depending on their benefit provider.
Overview Table: DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Payment Amount | £299 |
| Payment Window | 6 April – 22 April 2025 |
| Total Aid Package | £900 (in three parts) |
| Eligibility Period | 13 November – 12 December 2024 |
| Managing Agencies | DWP and HMRC |
| How Payments Appear | “DWP COL” (DWP benefits) / “HMRC COLS” (Tax Credits) |
| Application Required | No – payments were made automatically |
Breakdown of the £299 Cost of Living Payment
This payment concludes the government’s three-part cost of living support scheme for the 2024–2025 financial year. Here’s a breakdown of the three installments:
| Installment | Amount | Payment Period |
| First Payment | £301 | Spring 2024 |
| Second Payment | £300 | Autumn 2024 |
| Final Payment | £299 | April 2025 |
The idea behind splitting the support into three parts was to offer sustained relief throughout the year, especially as energy and grocery bills have continued to rise.
Who Was Eligible for the £299 Payment?
To qualify for the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment, individuals needed to be receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits during the eligibility window:
- 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
It’s important to note that you had to be in receipt of one of these benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2024 to qualify. Payments were not given to those who only began receiving benefits after that period unless they qualified under late claims with backdating.
Who Did Not Qualify for the Payment?
Not everyone receiving government benefits was eligible. Those relying solely on the following non-means-tested benefits did not qualify:
- New Style ESA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style JSA
Also, if there was a temporary break in your claim during the eligibility period—even due to administrative issues, you may have been excluded.
How Was the £299 Payment Distributed?
Payments were made automatically:
- DWP handled payments for most benefits, with the reference “DWP COL” shown on bank statements.
- HMRC managed payments for those receiving Tax Credits, with the reference “HMRC COLS.”
There was no application process. Eligible recipients had their payments deposited directly into the bank account associated with their benefit claims.
What to Do If You Did Not Receive the Payment
If the payment hasn’t appeared in your account and you believe you were eligible, follow these steps:
- Check Your Bank Statement
Look for a transaction labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 and 22 April 2025. - Review Your Benefit History
Make sure you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the eligibility period. - Submit a Missing Payment Report
Visit the GOV.UK website and use the official portal to report a missing payment. - Contact Your Benefit Provider
Reach out to DWP or HMRC to confirm eligibility, payment status, or resolve discrepancies.
Late Eligibility and Backdated Claims
Some individuals, especially new claimants of Pension Credit, may still qualify if they applied after the eligibility period but before 5 March 2025, and had their claim backdated to cover the required dates.
To confirm eligibility in these cases:
- Ensure your application was submitted before 5 March 2025.
- Contact DWP to confirm whether your payment will be processed.
- If eligible, the payment should be made automatically.
Common Reasons for Delayed or Missing Payments
Several factors might explain why your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is delayed or missing:
- Incorrect or outdated bank details on file.
- Unresolved benefit claim issues.
- High volume of transactions causing processing delays.
- Your payment flagged for fraud prevention checks.
If any of these situations apply, it’s best to contact your benefit provider as soon as possible.
How to Avoid Cost of Living Payment Scams
Scammers often take advantage of government payment rollouts. Stay protected by remembering:
- DWP and HMRC will never ask for your bank details via text, email, or calls.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages or links claiming to be from official sources.
- Always check updates on the official GOV.UK website before taking action.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it immediately through Action Fraud UK.
FAQs
1. Can I receive the £299 payment if I recently started claiming benefits?
Yes, if your claim was backdated to cover 13 Nov–12 Dec 2024.
2. What if I received only part of the payment?
Check with DWP or HMRC to see if there were issues with your claim or banking details.
3. Are more cost of living payments planned for 2025?
As of now, no additional payments have been confirmed. Stay updated via GOV.UK.
4. How can I report a scam related to this payment?
You can report fraud attempts to Action Fraud UK or through GOV.UK’s official channels.
5. Can I appeal if I was told I’m not eligible?
Yes, contact DWP or HMRC to request a review of your eligibility.
Final Thought
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment has provided essential support to millions of households across the UK. If you haven’t received yours and believe you should have, don’t wait—check your benefit history, bank records, and contact the right department.
