In 2025, as the United Kingdom continues to face rising inflation and persistent living cost pressures, the government issued the final £299 installment of the £900 cost of living support package.
Designed to assist low-income households, this payment was disbursed between 6 May and 22 May 2025, targeting individuals struggling with food, housing, and energy expenses.
This final payment, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), aimed to provide essential relief for those receiving means-tested benefits.
Breakdown of the £900 Support Scheme
The £900 cost of living support scheme was distributed across three separate payments to offer continuous assistance throughout the financial year:
| Installment | Amount | Payment Window |
|---|---|---|
| First | £301 | Spring 2024 |
| Second | £300 | Autumn 2024 |
| Final | £299 | 6 May – 22 May 2025 |
Each installment was automatically deposited into the bank accounts of qualifying recipients.
Eligibility Criteria for the £299 Payment
To qualify for the £299 final installment, individuals must have received at least one of the following means-tested benefits during the eligibility window (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
No separate application was necessary, ensuring an automatic payment to those eligible.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Individuals receiving only non-means-tested or contributory benefits did not qualify, including:
- New Style ESA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style JSA
Furthermore, any interruptions in benefit payments during the qualifying period could have resulted in missed payments.
How Payments Were Delivered
Payments appeared in bank accounts with references:
- “DWP COL” (for DWP-disbursed benefits)
- “HMRC COLS” (for HMRC-disbursed benefits)
The process was designed to be seamless without the need for any applications.
Steps to Take If the Payment Is Missing
If the £299 payment has not been received, the following steps are recommended:
- Check Bank Statements
Look for entries labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 May and 22 May 2025. - Verify Eligibility
Confirm benefit status for the eligibility window (13 November to 12 December 2024). - Report a Missing Payment
Complete the missing payment form available at GOV.UK. - Contact the Relevant Department
Reach out to DWP or HMRC if issues persist.
Backdated Pension Credit Claims
Individuals who applied for Pension Credit after 12 December 2024 but before 5 March 2025 may still be eligible if the claim is backdated to cover the eligibility period.
To qualify:
- The application must have been submitted by 5 March 2025.
- The claim must be successfully backdated to cover 13 November to 12 December 2024.
If both conditions are met, the payment will be issued automatically.
Common Reasons for Payment Delays
Several factors could cause payment delays or failures, including:
- Outdated or incorrect bank account details.
- Interruptions or reviews of benefit payments during the eligibility period.
- High volumes of administrative processing.
- Routine fraud prevention checks.
Prompt contact with the appropriate benefits provider can help resolve such issues.
Staying Safe from Scams
To stay protected from fraud:
- DWP and HMRC will never request personal information via texts, emails, or phone calls.
- Avoid clicking on unsolicited messages related to payments.
- Always verify any communication through the official GOV.UK website.
The £299 cost of living payment serves as crucial support for millions of UK households facing financial challenges in 2025.
Ensuring eligibility, checking bank records, and promptly reporting any missing payments are key steps to securing this vital assistance.
Staying informed and vigilant also helps recipients avoid scams and secure the help they are entitled to.
FAQs
What should be done if the £299 payment is missing?
Check bank statements for payment references, verify eligibility, and complete the missing payment form on GOV.UK.
Are individuals receiving only New Style ESA eligible for the £299 payment?
No, only recipients of means-tested benefits during the eligibility window qualified for the payment.
Can late Pension Credit claims still qualify for the £299 payment?
Yes, if the Pension Credit claim was submitted before 5 March 2025 and successfully backdated to cover the qualifying period.