In response to the rising cost of living, the UK government has introduced the second Cost of Living Payment, which will help millions of households struggling with high inflation.
The announcement of a £300 payment is part of a series of payments aimed at providing financial relief to eligible citizens. If you are wondering about the specific dates and eligibility, this article provides all the details you need.
What is the Second Cost of Living Payment?
The Second Cost of Living Payment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable households as they face increasing costs for essential goods and services. This payment is the second of a series of three payments aimed at helping people manage financial strain.
The UK government confirmed that the £300 payment will be made between 31 October and 19 November 2025. This is a crucial part of the government’s commitment to help those in need, including individuals receiving Universal Credit, tax credits, and other low-income benefits.
Second Cost of Living Payment Dates
The £300 payment will be issued directly to eligible recipients, which means you don’t need to apply. The payment will be automatically credited to those who qualify for one of the relevant benefits. Here are the important details:
| Payment Amount | Payment Period | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| £300 | 31 Oct – 19 Nov 2025 | Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Income Support, ESA, JSA, etc. |
| £301 | 25 Apr – 17 May 2025 | Same as above; first installment |
| £299 | Spring 2025 | Final installment |
Eligibility for the £300 Second Cost of Living Payment
To qualify for the £300 payment, individuals must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- ESA (Employment Support Allowance)
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- JSA (Job Seekers Allowance)
If you are receiving both tax credits and low-income benefits, the payment will only be disbursed by DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). However, if you are only receiving tax credits, the payment will come from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
The second cost of living payment is a non-taxable payment, which means it will not affect your tax credits or other benefits. The payment will be automatically deposited into your bank account if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Disability Cost of Living Payment
In addition to the £300 cost of living payment, there is a £150 disability cost of living payment available for those receiving specific disability benefits, including:
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
If you qualify for this £150 disability payment, it will be disbursed by DWP and will be added to your regular benefit payments. The deadline for receiving this payment is 1 April 2025. If someone is found to be ineligible after receiving the payment, they will be required to repay it.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
In case you don’t receive the £300 payment by 19 November 2025, you can report it as missing. However, it’s important to check your bank details and ensure you are eligible for the payment before reporting a missing amount. Payments can sometimes be delayed, so it’s important to monitor your bank account carefully.
You can report a missing payment from 20 April onwards if you haven’t received the previous payments. Be sure to keep an eye on any communications from HMRC or DWP that might provide updates about your payment status.
The £300 second cost of living payment coming in 2025 is an essential part of the UK government’s ongoing support for citizens facing financial difficulties.
The payment, made between 31 October and 19 November 2025, will assist millions of people receiving Universal Credit, tax credits, and other government benefits. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the payment will be deposited automatically into your bank account.
Make sure to check your eligibility, monitor your bank account for the deposit, and report any missing payments if necessary. As always, the government will provide updates regarding the next steps and additional information on future payments.
FAQs
How much is the second cost of living payment?
The second payment will be £300, issued between 31 October and 19 November 2025.
Who is eligible for the £300 cost of living payment?
Individuals receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, and more are eligible.
What should I do if I don’t receive the payment?
Check your bank details and eligibility first. If you still haven’t received it, report it as missing from 20 April onwards.