If you’re receiving benefits in the UK, you might have noticed some extra money in your bank account this June. That’s because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing the final £299 Cost of Living Payment as part of its 2025 support plans aimed at alleviating rising living costs for low-income families and individuals.
This is not a new payment, but rather the last of three scheduled financial boosts designed specifically for those on means-tested benefits. It’s all automatic, so you don’t need to reapply—if you’re eligible, it’s already on the way.
What Is This £299 Payment All About?
The government introduced a series of financial payments earlier this year to help people manage inflation, energy expenses, and general cost-of-living increases. The first two payments were:
- Early 2025: £301
- Mid-summer: Up to £200
With this final £299 installment, eligible households will receive a total of up to £800 for the year. The goal is straightforward: provide timely cash that helps cover essential spending during months when households feel the strain the most.
Who Gets This £299 Payment in June 2025?

To be eligible, you must have been receiving at least one of the following on the qualifying dates in March and April 2025:
- Universal Credit (excluding top-ups)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
If you were getting any of those benefits during that timeframe, you qualify — no forms, no hassle.
What’s more, disabled people and carers often receive extra support. If you’re also getting PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance or caring for someone who does, the system may flag you for enhanced payment, recognizing your unique additional expenses.
How and When Will You Receive It?
The DWP has staggered the June payment schedule across several weeks to avoid overwhelming bank systems and ensure each group is served efficiently:
- June 10–14: People on Universal Credit
- June 15–20: Pension Credit and ESA recipients
- June 21–30: Final payments for those on tax credits or mixed benefits
The money lands in your same bank account used for your benefits, and the transfer will usually reference “DWP COLP299” so you know exactly what it’s for.
What This Means Day-to-Day
For many households, that £299 might seem small—but it can go a long way:
- Help with a month’s worth of extra groceries
- Cover unexpected energy price hikes
- Support back-to-school expenses like uniforms and stationery
- Pay off small debts or top up prepayment meters
Local community groups are already seeing the impact. Many food banks and charity services report fewer emergency calls as families stretch their budgets with the help of this boost.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive It
If, by the end of June, you haven’t received the £299 and believe you’re eligible:
- Double-check you were getting a qualifying benefit in March or April.
- Make sure your payment information with the DWP is up to date.
- Contact the DWP by July 15 so they can investigate.
If the delay was due to a simple error—like a changed bank account—they’ll likely issue your payment in mid-July.
Why the DWP Chose June for This Final Payout
Financial support is most effective when it meets needs in real-time. The DWP has carefully timed each payment:
- Early 2025: Recovery from winter energy bills
- Mid-summer: Support during school holidays and food shortages
- June final boost: Bridges the gap before autumn and provides relief during high-energy usage months
A careful blend of timing and eligibility criteria ensures the money lands when it matters most to people.
Other Schemes You Can Combine With This Payment

This June payment isn’t the only help available:
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: £150 off winter energy bills
- Household Support Fund: Council grants for food, heating, or clothing
- Local support services: Council hardship funds, charity assistance
By combining these various supports, struggling households can build a stronger financial safety net.
Conclusion
- No need to apply for this June payment—if you were already on certain benefits, it’s automatic.
- Biggest chunk of your £800 annual support falls this month, making it especially impactful.
- Missed your payment? Don’t worry—contact the DWP by July 15 and they’ll sort it out.
- Watch for the reference “DWP COLP299” to confirm your payment.
All in all, this final £299 payment can breathe much-needed financial relief into the lives of millions. If you or someone you know is relying on benefits, make sure they’re aware of this payment, check their bank statements, and update any details needed with the DWP. It’s just one more way to hold the line against rising costs and make everyday living a bit easier.
FAQs
Q1. What is the £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment?
A: It is the final installment of the UK government’s 2024–2025 Cost of Living Payment scheme, designed to help low-income and vulnerable households deal with rising living costs. This last payment is £299 and will be distributed in June 2025.
Q2. How will the payment appear in my bank account?
A: The payment will show up with a reference such as “DWP COL” or “HMRC COL”, depending on which agency is issuing the payment.
Q3. When exactly will the payment be made in June 2025?
A: The official payment window is expected to begin in early to mid-June 2025. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will release the exact dates closer to the time.
Q4. Do I need to apply for the £299 Cost of Living Payment?
A: No, eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically into their bank accounts. No separate application is required.
Q5. What is the qualifying period for this payment?
A: To qualify, you must have received one of the eligible benefits during a specific time frame, known as the “qualifying period”, which will be officially announced by the DWP.