As 2025 unfolds, UK households continue to grapple with the harsh realities of inflation, escalating living expenses, and the lingering economic effects of the past few years. From soaring energy bills to steep grocery costs, the financial strain on low- and fixed-income families remains a top concern. Recognizing this burden, the UK government has initiated the final stage of its £900 cost-of-living support package, with the DWP £299 Support Payment rolling out in May 2025.
This payment, which serves as the third and final instalment of the larger scheme, is a significant intervention targeted at those most affected by financial hardship. Handled by both the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the DWP £299 Support Payment is a crucial measure in helping vulnerable households maintain a basic standard of living during these challenging times.
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What is the DWP £299 Support Payment?
The DWP £299 Support Payment is part of a three-part financial assistance program introduced by the UK government to help lower-income individuals and families manage the continued cost-of-living crisis. The full package totals £900 and is divided into the following instalments:
| Installment | Amount | Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| First | £301 | Spring 2024 |
| Second | £300 | Autumn 2024 |
| Third (Final) | £299 | 6 May – 22 May 2025 |
This final instalment of £299 is being distributed automatically to those who were receiving specific means-tested benefits during a designated eligibility period. The payments began on 6 May 2025 and will continue until 22 May 2025, with most recipients seeing funds deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Who Qualifies for the DWP £299 Support Payment?
Eligibility for the DWP £299 Support Payment is based primarily on whether the individual or household was receiving means-tested benefits between 13 November 2024 and 12 December 2024. If you were claiming any of the following benefits during that time frame, you should qualify for the payment:
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Universal Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income Support
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
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Pension Credit
There is no need to apply separately if you meet the eligibility criteria. The government is using its records to identify qualifying recipients and is delivering the payment automatically via direct deposit.
Who Is Not Eligible?
While the DWP £299 Support Payment is comprehensive, not every benefit recipient qualifies. Specifically, individuals who are only receiving non-means-tested benefits are excluded. This includes:
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New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Contribution-based ESA
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New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Furthermore, if your benefit payments were paused, under review, or temporarily halted during the qualifying period, your eligibility for the DWP £299 Support Payment may be affected.
How Is the Payment Delivered?
The government has simplified the payment process to ensure efficiency and transparency. Here’s how the DWP £299 Support Payment appears in recipients’ bank accounts:
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If you receive the payment via DWP, it will show up as “DWP COL” on your bank statement.
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If it is delivered through HMRC, the label will be “HMRC COLS.”
The funds are transferred automatically without requiring any action on your part—no forms, no applications. However, it’s vital to ensure that your bank account details on file with DWP or HMRC are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.
Haven’t Received Your Payment Yet?
If you believe you are eligible for the DWP £299 Support Payment but haven’t received it by the end of the distribution period (22 May 2025), follow these steps:
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Check your bank statement – Look for transactions marked “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” between 6 and 22 May.
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Verify your eligibility – Ensure you were receiving one of the qualifying benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2024.
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Submit a missing payment form – You can do this through the official GOV.UK portal.
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Contact DWP or HMRC – If your query isn’t resolved through the form, you can reach out directly to either department for support.
Prompt action is important. While the DWP £299 Support Payment is designed to be seamless, there may be occasional hiccups due to administrative errors, system updates, or technical issues.
Important Considerations for Pension Credit Applicants
There’s an important exception worth noting for those who applied for Pension Credit after the qualifying date but before a specific deadline. If you submitted your Pension Credit application after 12 December 2024, but before 5 March 2025, and your claim was backdated to include the qualifying window (13 November to 12 December), you may still be eligible for the DWP £299 Support Payment.
This backdating rule is especially helpful for pensioners who may not have realized they were eligible until after the initial qualification period had passed. The DWP has made provisions to ensure such individuals aren’t excluded from this much-needed support.
Reasons Your Payment May Be Delayed
Several common factors could contribute to a delay in receiving the DWP £299 Support Payment:
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Incorrect or outdated bank details on file with DWP or HMRC
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Paused or under-review benefit claims during the qualifying window
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System delays or software issues within the payment infrastructure
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Additional checks for fraud prevention or identity verification
To avoid these issues, ensure your contact information, bank account details, and benefit status are up to date with the respective departments. Regularly check the official government website for the latest updates on payments and eligibility.
How to Stay Safe From Scams
Unfortunately, scams often accompany large-scale financial aid programs. Fraudsters may attempt to exploit public anticipation around the DWP £299 Support Payment through phishing emails, text messages, or fake calls.
Here are key safety tips:
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Never share personal information like your National Insurance number, bank account details, or passwords in response to unsolicited messages.
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Ignore suspicious links in texts or emails claiming to be from DWP or HMRC.
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Always refer to the official GOV.UK website for accurate and verified information.
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Report scams immediately through official channels to help protect others.
Remember: neither DWP nor HMRC will contact you to “confirm” personal details for the DWP £299 Support Payment.
Final Thoughts
The DWP £299 Support Payment is more than just a short-term financial boost—it’s a critical intervention for millions of families facing economic pressure in 2025. For those relying on state support, each pound makes a difference, especially with costs rising across every sector—from heating to housing, groceries to transportation.
This payment forms the final chapter in the £900 cost-of-living package that began in 2024. By dividing the aid into three separate parts, the government aimed to provide timely support over a longer duration, rather than a single lump sum that might quickly be depleted. The DWP £299 Support Payment is thus both a practical and symbolic effort to stand with the country’s most vulnerable during uncertain times.
If you meet the criteria and haven’t seen the payment yet, don’t delay in taking action. Confirm your eligibility, check your statements, and get in touch with DWP or HMRC if needed. The funds are there to help—make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the DWP £299 Support Payment?
The DWP £299 Support Payment is the final instalment of the UK government’s £900 cost-of-living assistance package for 2024–2025. It aims to support low-income households in managing day-to-day expenses during a time of economic strain.
2. Who qualifies for the DWP £299 Support Payment?
Individuals receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, and others between 13 November and 12 December 2024 are eligible.
3. When will I receive the payment?
The payment window runs from 6 May to 22 May 2025. Eligible recipients will receive the funds directly into their bank accounts.
4. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No. The payment is issued automatically to those who meet the criteria—there’s no need to apply separately.
5. What if I think I’m eligible but haven’t received the payment?
You should first check your bank statement for entries marked “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS.” If the payment is missing, confirm your eligibility and fill out a missing payment form on GOV.UK.
6. How can I avoid scams related to the payment?
Always use official government websites for information. Never respond to emails or texts asking for personal or banking information. Report any suspicious messages or calls immediately.
