If you were expecting the £299 Cost of Living Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and it didn’t land in your account during the main April rollout, you’re not alone.
The government has officially confirmed that more payments will be sent out throughout May and June 2025 to cover late cases, newly eligible claimants, and those whose details needed extra verification.
Here’s everything you need to know about the extended schedule, who’s eligible, and what steps to take if you’re still waiting.
Overview
The £299 payment is the third and final installment of the £900 Cost of Living support package, aimed at helping low-income households cope with rising living costs. This final payment follows two earlier ones—£301 and £300—distributed during 2024 and early 2025.
To qualify for the payment, recipients must have been receiving one or more of the following income-based benefits during the government-specified eligibility period:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
There’s no need to apply. If you’re eligible, the DWP sends the money automatically.
Schedule
While the main batch of £299 payments was sent out in April 2025, not everyone received it right away. The DWP is continuing to issue payments through May and June 2025 in smaller waves.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s included in these follow-up batches:
| Recipient Group | Reason for Delay | Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Recently approved claimants | Benefits approved post-cutoff | May–June 2025 |
| Cases with incorrect bank details | Needed data correction | May–June 2025 |
| Appeals and reviews | Eligibility under reassessment | May–June 2025 |
| Legacy benefit recipients | Processing backlog | May–June 2025 |
The DWP has stated these payments are being staggered to maintain accuracy and reduce fraud risk.
Delays
Still haven’t seen the payment in your bank account? Here’s what you should do next:
- Check your benefit status – Review your latest award letter or statements to confirm you were receiving qualifying benefits during the eligibility period
- Review your bank information – Outdated or incorrect bank details are one of the most common causes of delays
- Wait until mid-June – The DWP has advised that all delayed payments should be completed by mid-June 2025
- Contact DWP directly – If you haven’t been paid by then, reach out via the official DWP helpline for your benefit type to check the issue
You won’t need to reapply, but following up ensures nothing has been missed.
Eligibility
Even if you recently became eligible for benefits, you may still qualify. Late processing often means the payment is automatically issued once your claim is confirmed. This is particularly true for:
- Backdated claims
- Appeals that have now been approved
- Switching from legacy to newer benefit systems
Stay up to date by checking your messages or online benefit portal regularly.
FAQs
When will late £299 payments be made?
Payments are ongoing through May and June 2025.
Do I need to apply for the £299 payment?
No, the payment is issued automatically if eligible.
Who qualifies for the £299 payment?
Those on eligible income-based benefits during the set period.
What if my bank details changed?
Update your info with DWP and contact them to confirm.
Is the £299 payment taxable?
No, it is a tax-free, one-time support payment.
