DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment: Key Dates, Eligibility, and What It Means for UK Residents

Between February 6 and February 22, 2024, millions of low-income households across the UK received a £299 Cost of Living Payment, the third and final instalment of the Government’s support package designed to ease financial pressure amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. Administered automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC, this payment brought the total 2023–24 support for eligible households to £900.

Now, as of May 2025, with the UK still facing economic uncertainty and no further cost of living payments planned, many are still asking: Who was eligible? What if you missed it? And what support remains available now?

This guide answers all of those questions and more, providing up-to-date information on the £299 payment, including eligibility, payment timelines, reporting a missed payment, and the broader context of government support.

What Is the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment?

The £299 Cost of Living Payment was introduced as part of a wider financial assistance scheme developed by the UK Government to support individuals and families facing unprecedented economic challenges. It followed a series of payments made in both 2022 and 2023 to assist those claiming means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Tax Credits.

This payment was the final portion of the £900 support package for the 2023–24 financial year, distributed in three separate instalments:

1. £301 – Paid in spring 2023
2. £300 – Paid in autumn 2023
3. £299 – Paid in February 2024

The aim of this final payment was to help households manage rising living costs especially over winter, amid high inflation, energy price hikes, and increased food costs.

Importantly, this payment was non-taxable, did not count as income, and did not affect benefit caps, ensuring that it served as genuine additional support for those who needed it most.

Why Does the £299 Cost of Living Payment Still Matter in 2025?

Although UK inflation began to ease towards the end of 2024, many households are still grappling with the long-term impact of increased living expenses. Utility bills remain high by historical standards, food inflation has not returned to pre-2021 levels, and rental costs continue to increase in many parts of the UK.

For millions, the £299 payment provided essential support during the winter and early spring months. However, its importance remains in 2025 for several reasons:

• No new Cost of Living Payments have been announced for 2025
• The DWP officially confirmed in May 2024 that there would be no more payments planned
• Local council schemes like the Household Support Fund are now the main remaining avenues for crisis support

The £299 payment marked the final part of a support cycle which started in 2022, and many UK residents still refer to it as a crucial part of their budgeting strategy in early 2025.

Who Was Eligible for the £299 Cost of Living Payment?

To receive the £299 payment, claimants must have been entitled to one of the qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility window from 13 November to 12 December 2023.

Qualifying Benefits Included:

• Universal Credit (except in cases of a ‘nil award’)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Important Notes on Eligibility:

• A ‘nil award’ on Universal Credit (i.e., payment reduced to £0 due to changes in income or other benefits) would make you ineligible
• You could receive the £299 payment even if you did not receive previous instalments such as the £301 or £300

This payment was targeted based on benefit receipt during the qualifying period, not cumulative eligibility across the year.

When Were the Payments Issued?

The DWP and HMRC completed all £299 payments in February 2024, depending on which department administered your benefits.

Payment Schedule:

Benefit Type	Agency	Payment Dates	Reference Code
Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, etc.	DWP	6 – 22 February 2024	DWP COL + NI Number
Tax Credits Only	HMRC	16 – 22 February 2024	HMRC COLS

All payments were sent automatically to bank accounts registered for existing benefits. No applications were needed, and anyone requesting details via unofficial sources was likely being targeted by scammers.

What to Do If You Missed the Payment?

If you believed you were eligible but did not receive the payment, the Government provided an online reporting portal on GOV.UK that opened on 23 February 2024.

How to Report a Missing Payment?

To use the portal, claimants were required to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• National Insurance number

Most people received a response within two weeks of submission.

Missed the Portal Deadline?

As of May 2025, the DWP has closed the online reporting portal for the £299 payment. However, if you still believe you are owed a payment:

• Contact your Universal Credit journal (if applicable)
• Call the helpline associated with your benefit (found on GOV.UK)

If you’re missing one of the earlier payments (such as the £301 from spring 2023 or the £300 from autumn 2023), these can only be reported by calling the DWP or HMRC directly.

Full Breakdown of Cost of Living Payments from 2022 to 2024

Here is a complete overview of the payments issued since the scheme began:

Payment Type	Amount	Issue Period	Target Group
Cost of Living 1	£326	July 2022	Means-tested benefit claimants
Cost of Living 2	£324	November 2022	Means-tested benefit claimants
Cost of Living 3	£301	April – May 2023	Means-tested benefit claimants
Cost of Living 4	£300	October – November 2023	Means-tested benefit claimants
Cost of Living 5 (final)	£299	February 2024	Means-tested benefit claimants
Disability Cost of Living	£150	June – July 2023	Disability benefit claimants
Pensioner Cost of Living	£150–£300	Winter 2023/24	Pensioners (via Winter Fuel)

This means that some households received up to £1,350 in total across all three 2023–24 payments, with additional support available through disability and pensioner top-ups.

Is Any Further Government Support Available in 2025?

As of 16 May 2025, the DWP has confirmed it is not planning any more Cost of Living Payments. This was announced in an official update published on 6 May 2024.

However, the Household Support Fund, administered by local councils, is still available and has been extended until March 2026 with £742 million in extra funding under the current government.

What Is the Household Support Fund?

This fund allows local councils to assist struggling households with:

• One-time cash grants
• Supermarket or utility vouchers
• Support for food, clothing, and basic household items

Support varies depending on where you live. Visit your local council’s website and look for the “cost of living” or “Household Support Fund” page for eligibility details.

How to Avoid Cost of Living Payment Scams?

Since the launch of these payments, there has been a rise in scam texts, emails, and phone calls asking individuals to “claim” or “verify” their payment.

Key points to remember:

• The DWP or HMRC will never ask for personal or banking details via text, email, or phone
• All payments were automatic – no application was ever required
• If you’re unsure, check directly with GOV.UK or your benefits account

Conclusion: Is the £299 Payment Enough?

While the £299 payment was undoubtedly helpful for millions of households during winter 2024, its expiration and the lack of follow-up support in 2025 raise questions about long-term solutions for low-income UK residents. With inflation easing but living costs still elevated, the pressure on financially vulnerable households remains.

Support is still available through benefits and council-administered schemes, but these often vary by location and are more limited in scope. If you haven’t already done so, it’s advisable to use a benefits calculator, check Pension Credit eligibility, or speak to Citizens Advice to ensure you’re not missing out on other available help.

ALSO READ: DWP £450 Cost of Living Payment: Who Qualifies and When Is It Coming?

FAQs About the DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment

How do I check if I qualified for the £299 payment?

You were eligible if you received a qualifying benefit between 13 November and 12 December 2023. Use your online benefits portal or contact DWP to confirm.

What is a ‘nil award’ and why does it make me ineligible?

A nil award means your Universal Credit was reduced to £0 due to increased earnings or other benefits. It disqualifies you from receiving the cost of living payment for that period.

Is it still possible to report a missing payment?

The online reporting portal is now closed, but you can still raise the issue through your benefits journal or by calling the DWP or HMRC.

Will there be more cost of living payments in 2025?

No. The DWP confirmed in May 2024 that no further cost of living payments are planned.

Can I still get help if I missed out?

Yes. Local councils are still distributing support through the Household Support Fund until March 2026.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Never respond to texts or emails claiming to be from the DWP asking for your personal details. Check GOV.UK for official information.

Does Pension Credit make me eligible retroactively?

Previously, yes. You could backdate claims to qualify for payments, but the deadline to do so for the £299 payment passed on 5 March 2024.