When is the next Cost of Living Payment
The Cost of Living Payment was introduced in the United Kingdom during 2022 to help households facing sharp increases in essential expenses such as energy, food, and housing.
Payments were targeted at people already receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and at those receiving disability benefits and pensioner support.
Between 2022 and early 2024, several rounds of payments were made. For many households, these additional sums provided short-term relief during a period of rising inflation.
The natural question that has followed is: will there be another Cost of Living Payment, and if so, when will it happen?
The last payment and current status
The most recent official Cost of Living Payment was made between 6 and 22 February 2024. This was the final installment of a three-part package for that financial year. For those receiving eligible benefits, the payment appeared automatically in their bank account, usually labelled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COL.”
As of 2025, the UK government has not confirmed any new rounds of Cost of Living Payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Treasury have indicated that the scheme was designed as a temporary response to extraordinary economic pressures.
The official GOV.UK pages currently show information only about the 2022–24 payments, with no new dates announced.
Reports and rumours about future payments
Despite the lack of official confirmation, several unofficial sources have reported speculation about further payments. Some websites have suggested that a new support package of £650 could be paid in June 2025, with eligibility dates set between 1 March and 31 May 2025.
Other reports claimed that payments could begin on 15 June 2025 and be completed by the end of that month.
It is important to note that these claims are not verified by the UK government. Until there is a formal announcement from the DWP or HM Treasury, these remain speculative.
Trusted sources such as the Independent and the Big Issue have confirmed that, as of mid-2025, there are no scheduled Cost of Living Payments.
Eligibility in the past and what it might look like
If further payments were to be introduced, eligibility would likely follow the same structure as before. Previous rounds were linked to recipients of:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
- Disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance
- Winter Fuel or Pensioner Cost of Living support for those over State Pension age
Payments were always automatic, and no application was required. Households only needed to qualify for one of these benefits during the official assessment window.
How to stay updated
For households relying on this type of support, clarity about payment dates is crucial. Since there is no confirmed schedule for 2025, the best approach is to follow official announcements. Updates are generally shared through:
- GOV.UK Cost of Living Payment page – the central hub for eligibility and payment dates
- DWP press releases – official statements about support schemes
- HMRC updates – for those receiving Tax Credits
- Mainstream news outlets – such as the BBC, Independent, and Guardian, which usually cover new announcements immediately
It is also important to remain aware of fraud risks. The DWP will never ask for personal bank details by text, email, or unsolicited phone call. Any future payment, if announced, will be automatic for eligible households.
Key points at a glance
- The last Cost of Living Payment was issued in February 2024.
- As of 2025, the government has not announced a new round of payments.
- Some unofficial sources mention possible payments in June 2025, but these are not confirmed.
- If new payments are introduced, eligibility is expected to mirror earlier rounds, covering recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and other qualifying benefits.
- Households should follow official GOV.UK updates and trusted media, while ignoring scams and false messages.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💭 Will there be a Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
→ There is no official confirmation. Government sources currently show the scheme ending with the February 2024 payment.
📌 When was the last payment made?
→ The last installment was paid between 6 and 22 February 2024.
👪 Who would qualify if new payments were announced?
→ Likely the same groups as before: those on means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, JSA, ESA, Tax Credits) and certain disability or pensioner benefits.
🔒 How are Cost of Living Payments delivered?
→ Payments are automatic and sent directly to the bank account where benefits are usually received. No application is required.
📈 How can I check for updates?
→ The official GOV.UK guidance and DWP announcements provide accurate information. News coverage from trusted outlets also reports new developments quickly.