As inflation continues to bite and essential costs stretch household budgets, the UK government has introduced a £650 cost of living payment to support low-income families.
Confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this one-off payment is designed to help millions of households manage rising bills, from energy to food and rent.
If you’re receiving certain benefits, this payment will land in your bank account automatically between 15 and 30 June 2025—no need to apply.
Why This Support Payment Matters
With grocery prices, utility bills, and housing costs climbing steadily, many families are feeling the pressure. The government’s latest initiative delivers direct financial relief to over 7 million qualifying households, ensuring timely assistance without complex application processes.
This £650 is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s practical support to help families maintain essential living standards during a time of ongoing economic strain.
Quick Overview of the £650 Cost of Living Payment
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £650 per eligible household |
| Eligibility Period | 1 March – 31 May 2025 |
| Payment Window | 15 June – 30 June 2025 |
| How It Appears | “DWP COLP” + National Insurance Number |
| Application Needed? | No, processed automatically by DWP |
| Official Info | gov.uk |
Who Is Eligible?
To receive the £650 payment, you must have received at least one of the following means-tested benefits at any time between 1 March and 31 May 2025:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Important:
You won’t be eligible if you’re only receiving non-means-tested benefits such as the State Pension, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, separate support schemes for those groups may be announced later in the year.
Payment Timeline – When You’ll Receive It
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 15 June 2025 | First payments begin |
| 20 June 2025 | Over half of payments expected completed |
| 30 June 2025 | Final batch of payments completed |
Check your bank account for a deposit labeled “DWP COLP” followed by your National Insurance number.