UK Government Confirms £650 Cost of Living Support for June 2025 – Check Eligibility and Payment Dates

In a much-needed move to help struggling families, the UK government has officially confirmed a £650 cost of living support payment for low-income households. This one-time payment, announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be rolled out across June 2025 and is part of the ongoing effort to ease the burden of inflation, rising energy costs, and soaring grocery bills.

Let’s break down what this payment means, who’s eligible, and how and when it will be received.

Why the £650 Support Payment Matters

Prices of basic essentials—like food, fuel, rent, and electricity—have continued to climb, putting pressure on household budgets across the UK. For many, especially those already on tight incomes, these rising costs are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a serious challenge.

That’s why the £650 support comes as a welcome relief. It’s aimed at over 7 million low-income households who qualify based on the benefits they already receive. No paperwork, no extra steps—just direct financial help when it’s needed most.

Quick Summary at a Glance

Who is Eligible?

To receive the £650, individuals or households must have been receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits anytime between 1 March and 31 May 2025:

• Universal Credit (UC)

• Pension Credit

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

Note: You won’t qualify if you’re only receiving non-means-tested benefits, such as the State Pension or Disability Living Allowance. However, the government may roll out separate assistance later this year for those groups.

Payment Timeline – When Will You Get It?

Payments are being distributed in phases throughout June. Here’s the expected schedule:

Payments will show up in bank accounts as “DWP COLP” followed by the person’s National Insurance number.

No Need to Apply

This is one of the best parts: If you’re eligible, you don’t have to do anything. The DWP will handle everything behind the scenes and deposit the money directly into your bank account.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can visit the DWP’s official Cost of Living Payments page or call their helpline for clarification.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Only one payment per household – even if there are multiple eligible individuals living together.

• You must have received a qualifying benefit between 1 March and 31 May 2025.

• The payment is tax-free and won’t affect your existing benefits.

• Be aware of scams. The government will never ask for your bank details—if you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically.

What Can the £650 Be Used For?

Although the payment is unrestricted, most families are expected to use it to cover essential expenses, such as:

• Rent or mortgage arrears

• Gas and electricity bills

• Food and household items

• Childcare costs

• Emergency medical needs

• Outstanding debts

Some councils have reported that food bank usage dropped slightly in June, which suggests that these payments are already making a tangible difference.

What If You Didn’t Qualify?

Not everyone is covered by this payment. If you weren’t eligible this time, don’t panic. The government has hinted at more targeted support schemes later in the year, including winter energy support and potential council grants for households not on mainstream benefits.

Keep an eye on official updates from gov.uk and local authority bulletins.

Final Thoughts

The £650 cost of living payment is more than just a government handout—it’s a timely intervention during a period of economic stress. With no application needed and a clear timeline for disbursement, the initiative offers practical and immediate relief to those who need it most.

If you’re receiving one of the qualifying benefits, check your bank account for the “DWP COLP” payment by 30 June 2025. For many, it could be just the boost needed to get through another financially challenging summer.

Stay informed, stay safe—and always rely on official government sources for updates.