DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: As the cost of living continues to challenge households across the UK in 2025, government support has been crucial in helping low-income families manage rising expenses. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued the final £299 payment under the £900 cost of living support scheme. This payment, processed between 6 May and 22 May 2025, was aimed at easing the burden of increasing food, energy, and housing costs for those receiving means-tested benefits.
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment marks the last installment of a three-part support package. While most eligible recipients received their payments automatically, many are still checking their accounts or wondering what steps to take if the payment hasn’t arrived. Understanding eligibility, payment timelines, and how to resolve issues is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this essential financial aid.
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is part of the UK government’s ongoing response to inflation and economic hardship. This final installment concludes the £900 support package that has been distributed across the 2024–2025 financial year. The payment was automatically sent to those on qualifying benefits, but delays and missed payments can happen due to administrative issues or eligibility confusion. Knowing how to verify your status and report problems is important to secure the help you deserve.
Overview Table: DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment Details
| Category | Details |
| Total Support | £900 (across 3 payments) |
| Final Payment | £299 |
| Payment Window | 6 May – 22 May 2025 |
| Eligibility Period | 13 Nov – 12 Dec 2024 (benefits qualification) |
| Eligible Benefits | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, ESA, etc. |
| Payment Reference | “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” |
| Application Needed | No – Automatic if eligible |
| Report Issues | Via GOV.UK missing payment form |
Breakdown of the £900 Support Scheme
The £900 cost of living scheme was divided into three payments to provide ongoing relief:
- First Payment: £301 in Spring 2024
- Second Payment: £300 in Autumn 2024
- Final Payment: £299 in May 2025
Each installment targeted those on means-tested benefits, helping households manage throughout the year as living costs remained high.
Eligibility Criteria for the May 2025 Payment
To qualify for the £299 payment, individuals needed to be receiving at least one of the following 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
If you were consistently receiving these benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2024, you should have received the payment automatically.
Who Was Not Eligible?
Not everyone on government support qualified. Those receiving only non-means-tested benefits, such as:
- New Style ESA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style JSA
were excluded from this scheme. Additionally, if your benefit payments were interrupted during the qualifying period, you might not have met the criteria.
Payment Delivery Details
Payments were deposited directly into bank accounts:
- If paid by DWP, the reference appears as “DWP COL”.
- If paid by HMRC, it appears as “HMRC COLS”.
No application was required, ensuring a smoother process for eligible recipients.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Payment
If your DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment hasn’t arrived by late May, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Bank Account: Look for payments labeled “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS.”
- Review Your Eligibility: Confirm you were receiving qualifying benefits during 13 November – 12 December 2024.
- Report a Missing Payment: Use the official GOV.UK form to notify authorities.
- Contact DWP or HMRC: If needed, call the relevant department for further assistance.
Backdated Pension Credit Claims
If you applied for Pension Credit after the qualification window but before 5 March 2025, and your claim was backdated to include the eligibility period, you could still receive the £299 payment automatically. If you haven’t received it, you may need to report it as missing.
Common Reasons for Payment Delays
Several factors could explain why your payment hasn’t arrived:
- Incorrect or outdated bank account details.
- Your benefits were paused or under review during the qualifying period.
- Processing delays due to high volumes.
- Routine fraud prevention checks.
In any of these cases, contacting DWP or HMRC directly is the best way to resolve the issue.
Staying Safe from Scams
Unfortunately, scammers often target people expecting government payments. Remember:
- DWP and HMRC will never ask for personal details via text, email, or unexpected phone calls.
- Do not click on suspicious links claiming to offer payment updates.
- Always verify information through official government websites.
FAQs
What should I do if I think I’m eligible but didn’t receive the £299 payment?
First, confirm your eligibility for the qualifying period. If you believe you qualify, report the missing payment through GOV.UK.
Can I still receive the payment if my Pension Credit was backdated?
Yes, if your claim was submitted before 5 March 2025 and covers the eligibility window, you should receive the payment automatically.
Will there be more cost of living payments later in 2025?
As of now, no further payments have been announced. Stay updated by checking official DWP statements.
Are Tax Credit-only recipients eligible?
Yes, if you were receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit during the qualification window, you are eligible, and HMRC will process your payment.
What if I changed my bank recently?
If DWP or HMRC were not informed of your new bank details, this could delay your payment. Contact them immediately to update your information.
Conclusion
The DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment is a vital financial boost for many UK households facing continued economic pressures in 2025. While the system is designed for automatic delivery, delays and missed payments can occur. By staying informed, checking your eligibility, and using the correct channels to report issues, you can ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to. Always remain cautious of scams and rely on official sources for updates regarding future payments.
If you’re still waiting for your payment, act quickly by reviewing your status and contacting the appropriate authorities. For more updates on government support schemes, keep an eye on GOV.UK and trusted news outlets.
