The UK government has confirmed that a new £300 Cost of Living Payment will be issued later this year to support millions of households struggling with inflation, energy bills, and the rising cost of daily living. This payment, scheduled for November 2025, is part of the broader £900 cost of living support package announced earlier.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming payment, including who qualifies, when it’s coming, and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
What Is the £300 Cost of Living Payment?
This £300 payment is the second installment of a £900 cost of living package introduced to help low-income households. These payments are designed to cushion the impact of inflation and provide direct financial assistance without requiring any separate application.
The £900 total is being delivered in three separate installments:
- £301 – Issued in Spring 2025
- £300 – Scheduled for November 2025
- £299 – Expected in Spring 2026
These payments are non-taxable, do not affect any existing benefits or tax credits, and are paid automatically if you’re eligible.
Who Is Eligible for the £300 Payment?
To receive the £300 Cost of Living Payment in November 2025, you must be receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits during the yet-to-be-confirmed qualifying period:
Benefits That Qualify:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
You must have received payment for one of these benefits during the qualifying dates, which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will announce in the coming months.
Important: People receiving only New Style ESA or JSA will not be eligible unless they also receive one of the qualifying benefits above.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
The £300 payment is expected to arrive in bank accounts by the end of November 2025.
The government has not yet confirmed the exact dates or the qualifying period, but based on previous payments, the rollout typically happens over a few weeks and is staggered by benefit type.
Eligible claimants do not need to apply payments will be sent automatically to the bank account where benefits are normally received.
Your bank statement will likely show the payment as:
- “DWP COL” – for Department for Work and Pensions payments
- “HMRC COLS” – if receiving via HM Revenue and Customs (for tax credits)
What If I Don’t Receive the Payment?
If you think you qualify but haven’t received your £300 payment by early December 2025, follow these steps:
- Double-check your eligibility based on the benefit received and qualifying dates.
- Look for the payment reference in your bank account (usually “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS”).
- If still missing, report it to DWP or HMRC:
- DWP Missing Payment Report Page: GOV.UK DWP Report Page
- HMRC Contact: GOV.UK Contact HMRC
You may also call the DWP helpline or visit your local Jobcentre Plus if you need further assistance.
Other Support You May Be Eligible For
In addition to the £300 payment, several other government support schemes are available this winter for qualifying households:
- Winter Fuel Payment: Extra support for people over State Pension age.
- Cold Weather Payment: £25 per week for each 7-day period of very cold weather between November and March.
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill.
How to Stay Updated
The best way to stay informed about future payment dates and eligibility criteria is by:
- Regularly checking the GOV.UK Cost of Living page
- Signing up for email alerts from GOV.UK
- Watching for official announcements from the DWP or HMRC
Avoid any third-party sites that ask for bank details or personal information to “apply” for the payment — this payment is automatic, and no application is ever required.
Final Thoughts
The £300 Cost of Living Payment in November 2025 is a timely relief for millions dealing with economic pressure. With inflation still impacting food, energy, and housing, this second installment of support from the UK government ensures that vulnerable households are not left behind.
Be sure to check your benefit status, stay updated through official GOV.UK channels, and report any issues promptly if your payment is delayed. This payment may not solve every financial problem, but it’s a vital safety net when families need it most.
