For millions of UK households already stretched thin by rising costs, June 2025 brought one last bit of financial relief — the £299 Cost of Living Payment, part of the government’s broader support strategy. If you’ve spotted a recent deposit in your account labeled “DWP COLP299”, then you’ve likely received this final installment.
But what exactly is this payment for? Who qualifies? When should it arrive? And what steps should you take if it hasn’t landed in your bank account yet?
Let’s walk through the complete picture — from eligibility to payment dates, and how this payment is meant to help people across the country cope with everyday financial pressure.
What Is the £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment?
The £299 payment is the third and final installment in a multi-part support package the UK government announced as part of its ongoing response to the cost-of-living crisis. It follows two earlier payments of £301 and £300, made in Spring and Autumn 2023, respectively.
Together, these three payments total £900 in direct support for eligible low-income households.
These aren’t loans or advances — you don’t have to repay them. They are one-off, tax-free grants paid directly into your usual benefits account. No applications are needed, no extra paperwork. If you qualify, the money should arrive automatically.
This final £299 payment aims to provide additional breathing space as families continue to face high prices on everything from groceries and gas bills to school uniforms and bus passes.
Who Qualifies for the £299 Payment?
To receive this final Cost of Living Payment, you must have been receiving one of the following means-tested benefits during March and April 2025 — that’s the official qualifying period.
Eligible benefits include:
- Universal Credit (you must not have received a “zero award”)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
A Note About Tax Credits:
If you’re receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, your payment will still come — but it will be processed by HMRC, not the DWP. Either way, it will arrive in your account with the label “HMRC COLP” or something similar.
Also, it’s important to know that contribution-based JSA or ESA do not qualify you for this payment — only income-related versions count.
When Is the £299 Payment Being Made?
The government has scheduled the payments across three groups, depending on which benefit you receive. Here’s how the rollout is happening:
| Payment Dates | Eligible Group |
|---|---|
| 10 – 14 June 2025 | Universal Credit claimants |
| 15 – 20 June 2025 | Pension Credit & Income-related ESA claimants |
| 21 – 30 June 2025 | Tax Credit and mixed-benefit households |
All payments are made directly into your regular benefit account. No extra steps are needed from your side — the system handles it automatically.
Look out for the “DWP COLP299” label in your bank transactions. That’s your confirmation that the money has arrived.
Why This £299 Payment Matters
While £299 might not seem like a life-changing amount, for many families and individuals on tight budgets, it can make a significant difference. Here are just a few examples of how this money could be used:
- Groceries: It could cover two to three weeks of food shopping for a small family, easing pressure at the checkout.
- Utility bills: With energy prices still volatile, £299 could help reduce gas and electric arrears or pay off a large chunk of a monthly bill.
- Travel and fuel costs: For working families or carers relying on public transport or driving daily, this payment can help cover fuel or bus passes.
- School-related expenses: Whether it’s uniforms, lunch money, or school trips, families can use this support to plan ahead.
- Debt prevention: One of the biggest benefits is reducing reliance on short-term loans, payday lenders, or borrowing from friends and family.
The government expected over 6.8 million households to receive this payment. For many, it won’t just help cover bills — it can offer something harder to measure: peace of mind.
What If You Didn’t Receive the £299 Payment?
If 30 June 2025 has come and gone and you haven’t seen “DWP COLP299” in your bank account, don’t panic — but do act promptly.
Here’s a step-by-step plan:
1. Check Your Benefit Status
Make sure you were receiving an eligible benefit in both March and April 2025. If you started a new claim after that window, you won’t qualify for this round — but you might still be eligible for other support.
2. Review Your Bank Account Details
Did you switch bank accounts recently? Is the account you usually receive benefits in still active? If your details have changed and weren’t updated in your DWP records, the payment might have bounced or gone to the wrong account.
3. Look for Messages from the DWP
The DWP sometimes sends letters, texts, or updates through your online benefits account. Check for any communications that might explain why your payment hasn’t arrived.
4. Contact the DWP Between 1–15 July 2025
This is the official window for reporting missing Cost of Living Payments. The DWP will have a dedicated helpline and online form to help claimants who didn’t receive their money.
In most cases, missing payments are due to simple things — such as a delay in processing or incorrect account details — and can be resolved by 20 July 2025 once the issue is flagged.
What You’ll Need to Contact the DWP
If you’re going to contact the DWP or fill out the missing payment form, it helps to have the following ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Recent benefit payment statements
- Your bank account details
- Any letters or messages from the DWP related to this payment
Having this information on hand can help speed up the review process.
Other Government Support You Might Still Qualify For
If you didn’t receive the £299 payment — or even if you did — you might be eligible for other forms of help in 2025. Here are a few to explore:
£300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
If you receive the Winter Fuel Payment and are aged 66 or older, you’ll likely receive an extra £300 as part of your winter support.
£150 Disability Cost of Living Payment
If you’re receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance, you should automatically receive an additional £150 payment.
Local Council Help
Many local councils across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have schemes under the Household Support Fund. This might include:
- Supermarket vouchers
- Utility top-ups
- School meal assistance
- Emergency rent support
Check with your local authority or visit their website to see what’s available in your area.
A Few Final Tips
Before we wrap up, here are some final tips to help you make the most of your cost of living support:
- Set a small budget: Think about how this payment can help you meet your most pressing needs.
- Avoid scams: You don’t need to apply or share personal info with anyone. If someone contacts you asking for your bank details to “release the payment,” it’s a scam. Always go directly to gov.uk or call official DWP numbers.
- Save your documentation: Keep a copy of your benefit statements and payment notices in case you need to follow up or prove eligibility later.
- Act quickly: The July window (1–15 July) is your best chance to get any missing payments sorted. Don’t leave it too late.
Conclusion
The final £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment is more than just another government handout — for many households, it’s a vital buffer that helps keep the lights on, the fridge stocked, and debts at bay. With automatic delivery, no forms to fill, and clear eligibility rules, the process has been designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible.
If you’ve received it — great. Use it wisely to cushion your monthly costs. If not — take a few minutes to double-check your eligibility, confirm your benefit status, and contact the DWP during the July helpline period. A small step today could lead to meaningful support tomorrow.
FAQs
1. What is the £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment?
The £299 payment is the final installment of the government’s 2025 Cost of Living support package for eligible low-income households.
2. Will this payment affect other benefits I receive?
No, the £299 cost of living payment is tax-free, does not count as income, and won’t affect your existing benefit entitlements.
3. What is the qualifying period for this £299 payment?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will announce the exact qualifying dates. Typically, you must have been receiving benefits within a specific window before the June payment date.
4. When will the £299 be paid?
The payment is expected to be disbursed during June 2025. Exact payment dates will be confirmed by DWP.
5. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No. If you are eligible, the payment will be made automatically to the bank account where you receive your regular benefits.
