To help households cope with soaring inflation and rising everyday expenses, the UK government has confirmed a £300 Second Cost of Living Payment, part of its broader plan to distribute a total of £900 in support over three instalments. While the second round of payments was previously issued between 31 October and 19 November, the next wave of verifications, appeals, and missed payment follow-ups will take place starting March 20, 2025.
This payment supports millions of low-income UK residents, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, and more. It also ensures that no application is necessary—if you’re eligible, you’ll receive it automatically into your bank account.
Overview of the £300 Payment
| Payment Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £300 (Second installment out of £900 total) |
| First Payment | £301 (Issued between 25 April and 17 May 2024) |
| Second Payment | £300 (Issued between 31 October and 19 November 2024) |
| Report Missing Payment | From 20 March 2025 onwards |
| Third Payment | £299 (Expected by Spring 2025) |
If you haven’t received the second payment, March is when you’ll be able to report it missing via the official government portal.
Eligibility Criteria for the £300 Cost of Living Payment
This payment is meant for those receiving qualifying benefits during a specified assessment period. Eligibility will be automatically determined by HMRC and DWP.
| Qualifying Benefits |
|---|
| Universal Credit |
| Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) |
| Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
| Income Support |
| Working Tax Credit |
| Child Tax Credit |
| Pension Credit |
Important Note:
If you receive both HMRC-administered tax credits and DWP benefits, the payment will only come from DWP. If you’re eligible for both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you’ll receive one payment only—usually for Child Tax Credit.
Disability Cost of Living Payment Eligibility
A separate £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment is available for those receiving specific disability-related benefits. These include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
To be eligible, you must have received one of these benefits by 1 April 2025. If you qualify through both DWP and Ministry of Defence, DWP will handle the disbursement.
When and How the Payments Are Made
All payments are non-taxable, and they do not affect any other benefit entitlements. They are also issued automatically, so no application is needed.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Payment deposited directly into your bank account linked to benefits |
| From HMRC or DWP | Payment is made by one agency only, depending on benefit type |
| No Changes Needed | As long as your details are accurate and up to date, payment is automatic |
If your payment was delayed or missed, you can report it as missing from 20 March 2025 onwards using the official government website.
Things to Remember Before Reporting a Missing Payment
Before submitting a missing payment claim:
- Double-check your bank account for the correct deposit dates.
- Ensure your bank details with DWP or HMRC are updated.
- Make sure you met the eligibility criteria during the correct assessment period.
- Log in to the official UK Government portal and follow the steps to report a missing payment.
False claims or payments made in error may result in repayment obligations. The government has the authority to reclaim funds if it later determines a recipient was not eligible.
FAQs
When will the next Cost of Living Payment be issued?
The second payment of £300 was issued between 31 October and 19 November 2024, and missing payment reports can begin from 20 March 2025. The third and final payment of £299 is expected by Spring 2025.
What if I didn’t receive the £300 payment?
If you believe you qualified but didn’t receive the payment, you can report it as missing starting 20 March 2025 via the UK government’s official website.
Can I receive both DWP and HMRC Cost of Living Payments?
No. If you’re receiving benefits from both, your payment will only come from the DWP.
Is this payment taxable?
No. The £300 Cost of Living Payment is non-taxable and does not affect other benefits.
Do I need to apply for this payment?
No application is required. Eligible individuals are automatically paid based on benefit records.
How much is the total Cost of Living support?
The total is £900, issued in three parts: £301, £300, and £299.
Click here to know more.
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.
