The UK government is rolling out a £90 Cost of Living Payment in April 2025 to support low-income families struggling with rising living costs. This payment, part of the Household Support Fund, is automatically issued to eligible individuals to help alleviate some of the financial strain caused by inflation. This guide covers who qualifies, when the payment will arrive, and what you can do if you don’t receive it.
What is the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
The £90 Cost of Living Payment is a one-off, tax-free grant introduced by the UK government to provide immediate relief to individuals facing financial hardship. With costs of essential services such as food, energy, and transportation continuing to rise, this payment is designed to help those on means-tested benefits. Unlike previous schemes that required an application, this payment will be automatically issued to eligible recipients to ensure faster and easier access to funds.
Why is the £90 Payment Necessary?
With inflation and the rising cost of living, many families are experiencing financial difficulties. The £90 payment aims to support individuals who are struggling to cover essential expenses. This temporary relief will provide some financial security for those who need it most, helping to ease the burden of higher energy bills, grocery costs, and transportation expenses.
Who Qualifies for the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
The £90 payment is available to individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Benefits: You must be receiving one of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit
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Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income Support
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Pension Credit
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Other Criteria:
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You must be a UK resident.
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You must be 18 years or older.
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Your benefit status should have been active during the qualifying period set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
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Individuals receiving non-means-tested benefits like Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based ESA are not eligible, unless they also receive one of the qualifying income-based benefits.
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When Will the £90 Payment Be Delivered?
The £90 Cost of Living Payment will be delivered automatically to eligible individuals between mid-April and late April 2025. The payment will be processed in the same manner as your regular benefit payments and will be sent directly to your bank account.
If you do not receive the payment by April 30, 2025, here’s what you can do:
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Wait up to 10 working days after April 30, 2025.
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Check your bank statements and benefit notifications for any updates.
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Log into your Universal Credit journal (if applicable) to check the status of your payment.
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Verify your contact and banking details in your benefit account.
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If no payment is received, contact the DWP helpline for assistance.
Additional Support Through Local Councils
While the DWP is handling the £90 payment, local councils may offer additional support through the Household Support Fund, including:
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Emergency grocery vouchers
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Top-ups for pre-paid gas and electricity meters
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Assistance with essential household items
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School holiday food support for children
If you are struggling financially but do not meet the national eligibility criteria, check with your local council to see if they offer additional support in your area.
How to Maximize the Use of Your £90 Payment
Although £90 may not seem like much, it can go a long way if used strategically. Here are some ways to maximize the value of the payment:
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Pay off utility arrears or top-up your pre-paid gas and electricity meters to prevent service interruptions.
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Bulk-buy essential groceries to stock up on non-perishable items and ease grocery expenses in the coming weeks.
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Cover childcare-related transport costs or other necessary travel expenses.
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Set aside money for unexpected medical costs or household emergencies, like appliance repairs.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
To qualify for the £90 payment, you must be receiving one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Income-Based JSA, Income-Related ESA, Income Support, or Pension Credit. You must also be a UK resident and 18 years or older.
When will I receive the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
The £90 payment will be delivered automatically between mid-April and late April 2025. Payments will be made directly to your bank account, just like your regular benefit payments.
What should I do if I don’t receive the £90 payment?
If you do not receive the payment by April 30, 2025, wait up to 10 working days. Verify your banking details and contact the DWP helpline for assistance if the payment is still not received.
Can I apply for the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
No, the £90 payment is automatic for eligible individuals who are receiving qualifying means-tested benefits. You do not need to apply, but ensure your details are up-to-date with the DWP to receive the payment.
What additional support is available through local councils?
Local councils may offer additional support such as emergency grocery vouchers, top-ups for pre-paid gas and electricity meters, and school holiday meal assistance. Check with your local council to see if you are eligible for any additional aid.
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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.