The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued the final £299 cost of living payment to eligible UK households. This payment is part of the Government’s broader strategy to help families and individuals manage rising living costs and inflation.
If you have not received your payment yet, this guide covers what steps you should take, what support remains available, and what to expect next.
Quick Summary: DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment | £299 Cost of Living Payment |
| Issued By | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Payment Period | 6 April to 22 April 2025 |
| Eligibility | Based on means-tested benefits |
| Action If Not Received | Report missing payment via GOV.UK |
| Official Site | gov.uk |
Background: DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
As the cost of essentials like food, energy, and housing continues to climb, the UK Government introduced financial support measures to help the most vulnerable households.
In total, the Government committed £1,350 in economic support packages throughout 2023–2025, including:
- A £900 cost of living payment split into three instalments.
- Additional payments for people with disabilities and retirees.
The final £299 payment was issued between 6 April and 22 April 2025 to approximately 8 million eligible households across the United Kingdom.
Payment Breakdown
The £900 total cost of living payment was split as follows:
| Instalment | Amount | Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| First Payment | £301 | 25 April – 17 May 2023 |
| Second Payment | £300 | 31 October – 19 November 2023 |
| Final Payment | £299 | 6 April – 22 April 2025 |
Recipients were not required to apply for these payments. Funds were automatically deposited into the bank accounts associated with their benefits.
Who Was Eligible?
Eligibility was tied to receiving specific means-tested benefits during the qualifying periods. These included:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Payments were also made to people who had a qualifying entitlement within a specific assessment window defined by the DWP.
Did You Receive the £299 Payment?
If you were eligible and had not opted out of receiving benefits through direct deposit, you should have received the £299 payment by 22 April 2025.
However, reports have indicated that thousands of eligible households either did not receive their payment on time or have experienced delays.
What to Do if You Did Not Receive the Payment
If you believe you qualified but have not yet received your payment, here’s what you should do:
Step 1: File a Missing Payment Report
- Visit the GOV.UK Missing Payment portal.
- Fill out the missing payment form with:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Address and contact details
Step 2: Contact DWP Directly
If you prefer, you can also call the DWP’s customer service line for assistance. Ensure you have your National Insurance number and personal identification ready.
Important:
The DWP advises filing only one missing payment report. Multiple reports for the same missing payment can delay the process.
Step 3: Wait for a Response
- Most applicants receive a response within two weeks after submitting the missing payment report.
- In some cases, further identity verification or bank detail confirmation may be required.
Current and Upcoming Support Beyond the £299 Payment
Although the cost of living payments program is now complete, the Government continues to offer financial aid through other initiatives.
Household Support Fund Extension
The Household Support Fund has been extended and continues to offer:
- Cash assistance for food, energy, and essential bills
- Support grants of up to £140 in some areas, including Middlesbrough and other local councils
Eligibility for this support depends on local council rules, so individuals must check their local authority’s website for available programs.
Additional DWP Programs
Other ongoing benefits and assistance include:
- Disability Cost of Living Payments
- Pensioner Cost of Living Payments
- Housing Benefit assistance
- Council Tax Reduction schemes
Local councils may also offer discretionary funds, so it is worth exploring your local options.
FAQs About the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
1. When was the £299 cost of living payment issued?
Answer: Payments were made between 6 April and 22 April 2025.
2. How do I check if I was eligible?
Answer: Eligibility was based on receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit during the designated assessment period set by the DWP.
3. How do I report a missing £299 payment?
Answer: Visit the GOV.UK website, navigate to the missing payment section, and fill out the online form.
4. How long does it take to resolve a missing payment?
Answer: Responses from the DWP typically arrive within two weeks after filing the missing payment report.
5. Are there any more cost of living payments scheduled?
Answer: Currently, no further cost of living payments are planned. However, support is available through other government programs such as the Household Support Fund.
Final Thoughts
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment has provided essential financial relief for millions of UK residents during a time of rising economic pressure.
If you have not yet received your payment and believe you were eligible, it is crucial to act promptly by filing a missing payment report through official channels. Additionally, explore other support options available through local councils and the DWP to help manage ongoing living costs.
For the most reliable information and assistance, always refer to the official GOV.UK website.
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