For many UK households, the Cost of Living Payments between 2022 and 2024 served as a vital lifeline during one of the most economically challenging times in recent history.

With the rising cost of essentials like food, heating, and housing, government financial support helped countless individuals navigate daily financial pressures.

Now, as 2025 unfolds, one pressing question has surfaced repeatedly: is there really a £450 Cost of Living Payment coming this year?

This article explores everything you need to know about the latest government updates, clears up rumours about the so-called £450 payment, and outlines what real support remains available in 2025 for those most affected by financial hardship.

What Was the Original Cost of Living Payment Scheme?

What Was the Original Cost of Living Payment Scheme?

The Cost of Living Payment scheme was a government-led initiative delivered through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

It ran from 2022 to early 2024, issuing a series of one-off, tax-free payments to eligible UK residents to offset rising living costs, especially energy bills and inflation-related price hikes.

These payments were not available to everyone; they were targeted at individuals and families on means-tested benefits, disability-related support, or pension credits. Recipients were not required to apply manually, payments were processed automatically if eligibility criteria were met during specified timeframes.

Payments Timeline and Value (2022 – 2024)

Payment Amount Eligibility Assessment Period Payment Dates
£326 26 Apr – 25 May 2022 14 – 31 July 2022
£324 26 Aug – 25 Sep 2022 8 – 23 November 2022
£301 26 Jan – 25 Feb 2023 25 April – 17 May 2023
£300 18 Aug – 17 Sep 2023 31 October – 19 November 2023
£299 13 Nov – 12 Dec 2023 6 – 22 February 2024

The final payment of £299 was distributed in February 2024. Since then, the government has confirmed that the scheme has officially ended, and no further automatic payments are scheduled.

Will There Be a £450 Cost of Living Payment in 2025?

The short answer is no. As of the latest updates from official government sources, there are no plans to issue a £450 Cost of Living Payment in 2025.

Despite growing speculation online and circulating misinformation, the Department for Work and Pensions has not announced any such initiative.

Rumours of a new payment stem largely from confusion around past schemes and general public hope for continued support.

However, the government has explicitly stated that all Cost of Living Payments concluded in early 2024 and no new series will be rolled out in 2025.

Instead, future financial support will depend on changes in the economy, inflation rates, and policy decisions made in upcoming fiscal budgets.

What Is the Current Status of Cost of Living Payments for 2025?

As it stands in December 2025, the national Cost of Living Payment programme is no longer active. There are no scheduled payments from DWP or HMRC under the scheme this year.

This means:

Government’s Focus in 2025

The government’s current efforts are aimed more at structural economic support, such as local authority grants and discretionary funds, rather than broad national schemes like the Cost of Living Payments.

Ongoing reviews continue regarding how to best support low-income groups and those affected by energy price volatility, but no formal schemes have been launched under the same structure.

What Support Is Still Available in 2025 for Struggling Households?

What Support Is Still Available in 2025 for Struggling Households?

While the national scheme may have ended, several alternative support options continue to be available across the UK in 2025. These are especially relevant for low-income households, pensioners, and those with disabilities.

Key Support Options

Household Support Fund

Local councils across England offer grants for essential items, including food, fuel, and utilities. Applications can usually be made directly through the council’s welfare or crisis teams.

Discretionary Housing Payments

If you’re receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be eligible for extra help with rent. Applications are handled by local authorities.

Pension Credit

Older citizens over State Pension age and on a low income may qualify. It also unlocks other benefits such as the Warm Home Discount and free TV licences.

Local Welfare Assistance Schemes

Councils also run small-scale schemes offering urgent help with food, energy top-ups, and basic essentials.

Overview Table

Scheme Available To Type of Support Provided
Household Support Fund Low-income individuals Food, heating, essential items
Discretionary Housing Payment Housing Benefit/UC recipients Rent and housing costs
Pension Credit Pension-age individuals Weekly income boost + extras
Local Welfare Assistance Varies by council Crisis payments, food, heating

Who Qualified for Past Cost of Living Payments?

Eligibility for the 2022–2024 Cost of Living Payments was limited to individuals receiving certain means-tested or disability-related benefits. These included:

It’s important to note that individuals receiving only New Style JSA or ESA were not eligible unless their claim overlapped with a qualifying benefit.

What Were the Payment Dates and Amounts from 2022 to 2024?

The government followed a structured payment rollout during the three years of the scheme. Eligibility was assessed based on whether a person was entitled to specific benefits during a designated time window. The table below outlines these payments in more detail:

Universal Credit Payment Schedule

Payment Amount Assessment Period Payment Dates
£299 13 Nov – 12 Dec 2023 6 – 22 February 2024
£300 18 Aug – 17 Sep 2023 31 October – 19 November 2023
£301 26 Jan – 25 Feb 2023 25 April – 17 May 2023
£324 26 Aug – 25 Sep 2022 8 – 23 November 2022
£326 26 Apr – 25 May 2022 14 – 31 July 2022

This pattern was mirrored for other benefits like income-based JSA, ESA, Pension Credit, and tax credits, though the exact dates varied slightly.

What Should You Do If You Missed a Previous Cost of Living Payment?

What Should You Do If You Missed a Previous Cost of Living Payment?

If you believe you were eligible for a payment between 2022 and 2024 but never received it, you can still report the issue to the relevant authority. Typically, this would involve contacting the DWP or HMRC office responsible for your benefits.

Required Information

To report a missing payment, you will need:

Make sure to use official channels only, as scams mimicking DWP communications have been reported.

Can You Still Be Asked to Repay a Cost of Living Payment?

In certain cases, yes. If the government later determines that you were not actually eligible for a payment you received, you may be required to repay the funds.

For instance, if your benefit was later reduced to £0 due to an income change or sanction during the eligibility period, it could affect your status. However, if the reduction was due to deductions like rent arrears or hardship payments, you may still qualify.

It’s important to monitor all communications from DWP or HMRC and respond promptly if asked to clarify your eligibility.

How Can You Identify a Cost of Living Payment Scam?

With rising awareness around Cost of Living Payments, fraudsters have been exploiting the situation by sending fake texts, emails or calls. Here’s how to identify genuine communication:

Scam Warning Signs

Legitimate payments are processed automatically. If you are eligible, you do not need to apply. Always verify communication through official channels.

Real-Time Example: How Cost of Living Payments Helped a UK Household?

Real-Time Example - How Cost of Living Payments Helped a UK Household?

Consider the example of a single parent named Sarah from Manchester, who was receiving Universal Credit in 2023. Sarah was juggling part-time work with parenting and faced difficulties managing rising food and energy prices.

Thanks to the Cost of Living Payment of £301 and later £299, she was able to cover her utility bills during winter and purchase school uniforms for her children. Without this financial buffer, she would have likely fallen into debt or had to seek food bank support.

Her story reflects how targeted, one-off payments can provide meaningful short-term relief for families under financial strain, even though they are not a long-term solution.

What Other Financial Help Is Available in 2025?

Although the Cost of Living Payments have ended, support still exists in each UK nation.

Regional Support Options

Each region’s schemes operate differently, and eligibility may vary, so it is always advisable to check with local authorities.

Conclusion

While the era of Cost of Living Payments officially ended in early 2024, their impact was felt across millions of UK households. As of 2025, no further payments under this scheme are planned, and the rumoured £450 support payment has been confirmed as false.

Nonetheless, the government and local authorities continue to offer several forms of financial assistance for those in need. If you’re struggling in 2025, it’s essential to explore available support schemes and stay informed via official government channels.

FAQs

What is the 450 Cost of Living Payment 2025?

There is no £450 Cost of Living Payment in 2025. This amount is a rumour and not based on any official government announcement.

Are any new Cost of Living Payments planned for 2025?

No, the government has confirmed that no new Cost of Living Payments will be issued in 2025.

How do I report a missing Cost of Living Payment?

You can report it by contacting the office that pays your qualifying benefit. You’ll need your National Insurance number and benefit details.

Can I still receive help if I missed out on past payments?

If you were eligible during the payment windows and didn’t receive funds, you may still be able to report and claim it.

Is Pension Credit still available in 2025?

Yes, Pension Credit remains available and offers additional benefits for those over State Pension age on low incomes.

What if my benefit was reduced to £0 during the qualifying period?

If it was due to deductions or hardship, you may still be eligible. If it was due to income changes, you might not qualify.

How do I avoid scams related to Cost of Living Payments?

Never respond to messages asking for personal information. All legitimate payments are automatic and do not require applications.