In a continued effort to combat the growing financial pressure on households, the UK government is issuing its second Cost of Living Payment worth £300 this year. Designed to support people relying on low-income or income-based benefits, the payment is part of the larger £900 support package distributed in three parts.
While most eligible recipients already received the payment between 31 October and 19 November 2024, thousands who missed out or are due backdated amounts are being re-assessed this March 2025, with a chance to report missing or delayed payments from 20 March 2025.
This support is crucial for those struggling with the effects of rising prices and offers a safety net to millions across the UK.
£300 Cost of Living Payment Timeline and Reporting Period
The second payment has already been disbursed to most households, but if you didn’t receive your £300, you can now take action.
| Action | Date |
|---|---|
| Initial Payment Period | 31 October – 19 November 2024 |
| Start of Missing Payment Reporting | 20 March 2025 |
| Final Verification Phase | Ongoing through April 2025 |
Residents are advised to double-check their bank accounts and ensure their benefit information was up to date during the qualifying period.
Who Qualifies for the Second £300 Payment?
To qualify for the £300 Cost of Living Payment, individuals must have received one of the following means-tested benefits during the government’s eligibility window:
| Qualifying Benefits |
|---|
| 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 |
Note: You cannot receive two separate £300 payments if you qualify through both DWP and HMRC. If eligible for both, DWP will issue the payment.
How Will the Payment Be Delivered?
The £300 payment is automatically sent to those who are eligible—no application is required.
| Disbursement Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Most payments are sent directly to the bank account where benefits are usually received |
| DWP or HMRC Issuance | Only one agency will handle your payment, depending on your benefit type |
| No Impact on Other Benefits | The £300 is non-taxable and does not affect eligibility for other support |
Make sure your bank details and personal information are accurate to avoid payment delays.
What If I Didn’t Receive My £300?
Thousands are still awaiting their second installment or may have experienced administrative errors. If your payment didn’t arrive:
- Check if you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the required period
- Confirm your bank account details are up to date with DWP or HMRC
- Starting 20 March 2025, go to the government website to report a missing payment
What About the Third and Final Payment?
The £900 Cost of Living Support Package includes:
- First Payment: £301 (disbursed April–May 2024)
- Second Payment: £300 (October–November 2024)
- Third Payment: £299 (Expected Spring 2025)
The final installment will complete the package and is set to be disbursed in late Spring 2025, helping households transition into the new financial year.
Disability Cost of Living Payment – Additional Support
In addition to the £300, those with qualifying disabilities may receive a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.
You may be eligible if you were receiving any of the following by 1 April 2025:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
These payments will not come from the Ministry of Defence if DWP benefits are already being provided.
FAQs
Can I report my missing £300 payment now?
Yes. If you didn’t receive the payment issued in late 2024, you can report it starting 20 March 2025 through the UK Government’s official portal.
Will receiving this payment affect my other benefits?
No. The £300 Cost of Living Payment is tax-free and does not impact existing benefits or tax credits.
How will I know if I was eligible?
If you received a qualifying benefit during the eligibility period, you should automatically receive the payment. Log in to your HMRC or DWP account to check.
What if I recently updated my bank details?
If your bank information changed recently, contact DWP or HMRC immediately to ensure accurate payment routing.
When will the final £299 payment be issued?
The final installment of the £900 package is expected in Spring 2025. Official dates will be confirmed soon.
Can I get both the £300 and the £150 disability payment?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility for both schemes, you will receive both payments separately.
Why did I only receive one payment if I qualify for two benefits?
If you receive benefits from both DWP and HMRC, the payment is only made once, and usually by DWP.
What should I do if my details were incorrect during the eligibility period?
You may still qualify if the issue is resolved in time. Contact the relevant department to correct your records and request a manual review.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.