Many UK residents have been eagerly awaiting the latest £299 Cost of Living Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As part of the government’s ongoing support during the cost-of-living crisis, the final instalment of this payment was scheduled for April 2025.
But what happens if you haven’t received your payment yet? This article covers the exact timeline, reasons for possible delays, how to check your eligibility, and what steps to take if your money hasn’t arrived.
What Is the £299 Cost of Living Payment?
The £299 payment is the third and final instalment of the government’s 2023/24 Cost of Living support package, designed to help low-income households deal with rising living expenses.
It follows two earlier payments of £301 and £300. This final payment is expected to reach more than 8 million eligible individuals across the UK.
When Are Payments Being Made?
The DWP has confirmed that most eligible claimants will receive the payment between 2 April and 9 April 2025. The funds will be deposited directly into the same bank account where your usual benefit payments go.
Key Dates:
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Start Date: Tuesday, 2 April 2025
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End Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2025
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Reference: The payment should appear with the code “DWP COL” in your bank statement.
If you haven’t seen the payment yet, don’t panic — payments are being rolled out in batches, and some may take a few days longer than others.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the £299 payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit
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Pension 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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Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
You must have been receiving one of these benefits between 12 February and 11 March 2025 to qualify.
Note: Contribution-based ESA or JSA does not make you eligible unless you also get one of the income-based benefits above.
Why Haven’t I Received It Yet?
There are several common reasons why your payment might be delayed:
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Processing Time: Some payments are sent in staggered batches.
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Bank Delays: Weekends or bank holidays can slow things down.
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Incorrect Bank Info: If your bank details were recently updated, it may take longer.
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Eligibility Issues: You may not meet the eligibility window, or your benefit claim was paused.
If you’re still waiting after 9 April, it’s worth contacting DWP or checking your benefits account online.
How to Report a Missing Payment
If your payment hasn’t arrived by 16 April 2025, you can report it to the DWP via the official GOV.UK website.
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Select the benefit you receive
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Submit your details for follow-up
Make sure your bank information and benefit status are up to date before reporting.
Final Thoughts
It’s understandable to be concerned if you haven’t seen the £299 land in your account yet. But rest assured — payments are ongoing, and most eligible people will receive theirs by 9 April 2025. If you’re still waiting after that, check your benefit status and don’t hesitate to contact DWP.
FAQ – £299 Cost of Living Payment
Q: What does “DWP COL” mean on my bank statement?
A: It stands for “Department for Work and Pensions – Cost of Living”. It identifies the £299 support payment.
Q: I receive contribution-based ESA. Am I eligible?
A: No, only income-based ESA makes you eligible unless you also receive another qualifying benefit.
Q: Can the payment come after 9 April?
A: Yes, in rare cases — especially due to bank holidays or account updates — some payments may arrive later.
Q: Is this the final Cost of Living payment?
A: Yes, this is the third and final instalment for the 2024/25 support package. Future payments will depend on new government policies.
Q: Can I get this payment if I only recently applied for benefits?
A: You must have been receiving benefits between 12 February and 11 March 2025 to be eligible.
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