The series of non-recurring, large-scale Cost of Living Payments that were paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP, to low-income and disabled households in 2022, 2023, and early 2024 have not been confirmed for 2025 to 2026.
As of the time of writing, the official government position is that the DWP is not planning to make any more flat-rate Cost of Living Payments similar to the £301, £300, and £299 payments that were previously made.
However, the UK government is continuing with other targeted support payments in 2025 that help low-income and pensioner households with rising costs.
These include the long-standing Winter Fuel Payment and the Warm Home Discount, as well as the Household Support Fund, which continues to operate at a local council level.
Is there a new £300 or £750 Cost of Living Payment confirmed?
No, there are no new national DWP Cost of Living Payments that are a continuation of the previous series of payments confirmed for the 2025 to 2026 financial year.
- No Official Announcement: The DWP has not announced any qualifying dates or payment schedules for a new flat rate Cost of Living Payment for people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other means-tested benefits.
- Misinformation: Any claim on social media or small, unverified websites regarding a new £450 or £750 payment in October 2025 or any other date is not supported by official government documentation.
- Official Advice: The DWP advises the public to check the official GOV.UK website for accurate information, and to be wary of scams that often accompany false payment announcements.
What targeted support is confirmed for 2025 to 2026?
While the flat rate Cost of Living Payments have stopped, the following support schemes that help with the cost of living are confirmed to run from 2025 to 2026.
| Support Scheme | Confirmed Amount | Typical Payment/Qualifying Period |
| Winter Fuel Payment | £100 to £300 | Paid automatically in November/December 2025 |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 discount | Applied to the electricity bill by 31 March 2026 |
| Household Support Fund | Varies by council | Available from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per period | When temperatures drop to 0°C or below for 7 days |
Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility and Dates
The Winter Fuel Payment continues to be a main form of support for pensioners in the UK.
What are the eligibility rules?
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2025 to 2026, you must:
- Have been born on or before 21 September 1959.
- Have lived in the UK, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, for at least one day during the Qualifying Week.
The Qualifying Week for 2025 to 2026 is 15 September to 21 September 2025.
When will the payment be made?
- Payment Window: Most eligible people are paid automatically between November and December 2025.
- Official Confirmation: You will receive a letter from the DWP in October or November confirming the amount you will get.
- Final Deadline: If you have not received your payment by 28 January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Warm Home Discount Scheme: Eligibility and Dates
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off credit on your electricity bill to help with winter energy costs.
What are the eligibility rules?
For the 2025 to 2026 scheme, you will usually qualify if you meet two criteria:
- Your electricity supplier is part of the scheme.
- You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are in a low-income household that meets the energy supplier’s specific criteria on the Qualifying Date.
The key Qualifying Date for the 2025 to 2026 scheme is typically 24 August 2025.
When will the payment be applied?
- Payment Method: The discount is £150 and is applied directly as a credit to your electricity bill.
- Payment Dates: The credit is applied by your energy supplier no later than 31 March 2026.
- No Application: Most eligible people do not need to apply and will receive a letter between October and December 2025 confirming the automatic discount.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The government confirmed that the Household Support Fund will continue to run for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
- Local Management: The HSF is managed by local councils in England, not the DWP.
- Purpose: Councils use the funding to help the most vulnerable households in their area with the cost of essentials such as food, energy, and water bills.
- Eligibility and Amounts: The eligibility rules and the amount of support available vary significantly from one local council to another. You must check your specific local council’s website for their current scheme details and application process.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is separate from the Winter Fuel Payment and is dependent on weather conditions.
- Payment Criteria: You must be receiving certain income-related benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Amount and Schedule: The payment is £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below.
- Payment Dates: The scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.
