The UK government’s Cost of Living Payment scheme, designed to ease the financial strain on households during recent years, has officially concluded its final payments this May. Millions of eligible recipients have either already received or will soon receive their final instalments. If you are wondering about your payment status, deposit dates, or eligibility, here is everything you need to know.
What Was the Cost of Living Payment?
The Cost of Living Payment (COLP) was introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2022 to support low-income families, pensioners, and disabled individuals facing rising energy prices and inflation. The scheme distributed payments ranging from £299 to £326 automatically to people receiving qualifying benefits and tax credits.
May 2025 Payment: The Final Drop
As of May 2025, the DWP has confirmed that this month marks the last scheduled Cost of Living Payment under the current government scheme. The payments were made automatically based on eligibility and benefit status, requiring no additional application from recipients.
If you receive certain legacy benefits or tax credits, you would have received the payment in your bank account, building society, or post office card account. For Universal Credit recipients, payments were included in regular monthly payments.
How to Check Your Payment Status and Deposit Date
To find out if you are eligible or to check your payment status, visit the official government page.
On this page, you can:
- Confirm if you qualify for the payment based on your benefits.
- Check when your payment is scheduled to arrive.
- Access guidance on what to do if you have not received your payment.
If you believe you should have received a payment but have not, contact the DWP directly via the contact details provided on the official website.
Who Was Eligible?
Cost of Living Payments were automatically paid to people who were on certain means-tested benefits or tax credits during the qualifying periods. This included:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
You needed to be receiving these benefits on specific dates outlined by the DWP during the scheme’s active period.
What Happens Next? Other Support Options Available
Although the Cost of Living Payments have ended, support is still available for those struggling with rising costs:
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The government has extended the Household Support Fund, which provides local councils with funding to help vulnerable households with essentials such as food, energy bills, and other urgent costs. This fund is active until March 2026.
Energy Grants and Assistance
Energy companies may offer hardship grants to help customers with unpaid bills. Contact your energy provider directly to inquire about assistance.
Check for Unclaimed Benefits
Many people may be eligible for benefits or support they have not yet claimed. Use benefit calculators from reputable organizations like Turn2Us to explore what you might be entitled to.
Beware of Scams
The DWP will never ask for personal or bank details via unsolicited emails, phone calls, or texts. If you receive suspicious messages claiming to be from the government, do not respond and report them to Action Fraud:
Universal Credit Migration Update
The government is actively transitioning recipients of legacy benefits to Universal Credit by December 2025. Recipients should respond promptly to any official migration notices to avoid interruption of support.
Final Thoughts
While the Cost of Living Payment has come to an end, the rising cost of essentials continues to challenge many households. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest government support schemes and to explore local assistance programs if you need help.
For the most accurate and updated information, always rely on official government websites and trusted advisory organizations.
