The DWP has confirmed there are no plans to issue any more Cost of Living Payments this year, but people who believe they should have received one of the one-off payouts can now challenge the decision
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed earlier this year that there are no plans to issue any more cost of living payments in 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP rolled out a series of one-off payments to help households manage the cost of living crisis as energy bills and inflation rocketed to record-breaking heights.
However, in a new update on the dedicated Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK, the DWP reveals that a computer programme was utilised to identify eligible claimants for payments. Those who didn’t receive any of the one-off payouts, but think they should have, can now “contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it”.
The update says: “DWP uses a computer program to identify those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment. If you are not content with this you can contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it.”
A comprehensive list of all the Cost of Living Payments distributed by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), alongside the qualifying period for entitlement, can be found on GOV.UK, reports the Daily Record.
These included:
- Low income cost of living payments for people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Tax Credits
- Disability cost of living payments – for people on disability benefits
- Pension cost of living payments – for people over State Pension age
Energy bills are set to climb on October 1 and shifting inflation rates means people are still paying more for everyday food items, clothing and fuel.
Many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 10 minutes to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure going into summer. Elderly people with low income might be entitled to an income boost, averaging £4,300, via Pension Credit. Recent figures from the DWP indicate that 760,000 people are eligible for this means-tested benefit but aren’t claiming it.
Some pensioners mistakenly believe that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit. However, even an award of just £1 per week can unlock additional support.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or their friends and family, can swiftly check their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here.
People below the State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could fetch between £29.20 and £187.45, equating to some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
Those over the State Pension age with health conditions might qualify for Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could yield either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, amounting to some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period. While an online benefits calculator isn’t a magic solution to financial woes, it can provide a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could potentially claim – but the onus is on you to actually submit the application.
Who should look for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There’s a broad spectrum of benefits and payments available that you should investigate.
You should check if:
- you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health
- you are of working age on a low income
- You are over State Pension age on a low income
- you have been made redundant
- you are looking for work
- you are raising a family
- you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition
- you are disabled or have a health condition
- you’re caring for someone
- you have lost a loved one
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly determine if you’re missing out on any benefits and best of all, they’re completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes, you could discover how much extra support you may be able to claim, simply by inputting details about yourself, your residential status, your employment status and any savings you have.
You can utilise an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to seek help
The benefits calculators below offer details on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be impacted if you commence work or alter your working hours.
What you will need before you start
Gather the following information before you start and the whole process should just take about 10 minutes:
- Savings
- Income, including your partner’s
- Existing benefits and pensions – including anyone living with you
- Outgoings – such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments
- Your latest Council Tax bill