£300 UK Payout: £300 UK Payout has officially been approved as the second Cost of Living Payment for 2025, bringing some relief to millions of low-income households in the UK. With energy bills, grocery prices, and rent still high, this one-off payment is a crucial form of government support to help vulnerable citizens manage their daily expenses. It follows earlier payments like the £301, £300, and £299 instalments distributed between 2023 and 2024.
The £300 UK Payout is part of the government’s wider strategy to provide financial assistance to those on means-tested benefits. The payment will be issued automatically between May and June 2025, without the need for applications. In this article, we cover everything you need to know—who qualifies, payment windows, how to check eligibility, and what other help is available if you’re not eligible for this specific payout.
£300 UK Payout – Eligibility, Dates, and How to Prepare
The second £300 UK Payout will be paid automatically to eligible individuals who receive certain income-based benefits. It aims to offer short-term financial support during a time when inflation continues to outpace income growth for many UK households. The payment won’t affect your existing benefits and is not taxable.
Overview Table of £300 UK Payout
Detail | Information |
Payment Amount | £300 |
Payment Period | May to June 2025 |
Eligibility Benefits | Universal Credit, Income-based JSA/ESA, Pension Credit, Tax Credits |
Application Needed? | No – Paid automatically |
Payment Reference | DWP COL / HMRC COL |
Administered By | DWP or HMRC |
Last Payment Issued | £299 (Feb 2024) |
Additional Support | Yes – Household Support Fund and local council grants |
What Is the £300 Cost of Living Payment?
The £300 UK Payout is a one-time, tax-free financial aid designed to help low-income individuals cope with the continued cost of living crisis. It forms part of a series of government payments that started in 2023. These payouts are specifically for people receiving means-tested benefits, and are not counted towards the benefit cap or income assessments.
This payment continues the pattern of support seen in earlier years and reflects the government’s effort to offer targeted help instead of broad subsidies.
Who Is Eligible for the £300 UK Payout?
To receive the £300 UK Payout, you must be getting at least one of the following means-tested benefits during a specific qualifying period (dates to be confirmed):
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
You will not qualify if you’re only receiving:
- New Style JSA
- Contribution-based ESA
- New Style ESA
Unless you also receive one of the qualifying benefits above, you won’t be eligible for this payment.
When Will the £300 Payment Be Made?
The payment window is expected to run from late May to mid-June 2025, though the exact dates will be confirmed closer to the rollout. Recipients of DWP benefits will get their payment first, followed by those receiving Tax Credits from HMRC.
- DWP Payments: Likely to begin late May
- HMRC Payments: Expected by early to mid-June
No application is necessary. The payment will be deposited automatically into the same bank account used for your benefits.
Payment Reference Codes:
- DWP Payments: Look for “DWP COL” in your bank statement
- HMRC Payments: Will appear as “HMRC COL”
What If You Don’t Receive the Payment?
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the £300 UK Payout by the end of the payment window:
- Check your bank account and confirm whether the funds have arrived.
- Verify your benefit status—you must have been eligible during the qualifying dates.
- Confirm bank and contact details with DWP or HMRC.
- Report a missing payment using the GOV.UK website.
Delays are often caused by incorrect or outdated bank information, so it’s essential to keep your details updated.
Not Eligible? Explore Other Support Options
If you don’t qualify for the £300 UK Payout, there are still alternative ways to receive financial help:
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The Household Support Fund is a local council-administered program offering emergency aid for essentials such as:
- Energy bills
- Food and groceries
- Rent or mortgage support
- Clothing and school supplies
Example:
Blackpool Council offers £300 cash grants to larger families for energy assistance.
How to Apply:
- Visit your local council’s website
- Search for “Household Support Fund”
- Follow the application process and upload required documents
Tips to Make the Most of Your £300 UK Payout
While £300 might not stretch far, careful use can make a real difference. Here are a few ways to manage your payment effectively:
- Clear small utility debts or prepay future bills
- Buy non-perishable groceries or household essentials
- Put aside a portion for emergencies
- Access local support programs like food banks, free meal schemes, or warm hubs
FAQs on the £300 UK Payout
Do I need to apply for the £300 payout?
No. Payments will be made automatically if you qualify.
What if I missed the last £299 payment?
Check your eligibility and report it via the GOV.UK portal.
Will this payment affect my tax or other benefits?
No. It is not taxable and does not affect your benefit entitlement.
Can both adults in a couple receive the payment?
No. Only one payment is made per household, even for joint claims.
Are more payments planned for 2025?
As of now, this is the final confirmed payment. Future payouts may depend on economic conditions and government policy.
Final Thought
The £300 UK Payout is a vital support measure for millions struggling with daily living costs in 2025. If you qualify, this tax-free, non-impacting payment could help you manage energy bills, rent, or grocery costs. With automatic delivery, there’s no extra paperwork—just make sure your benefit details are current. For those who don’t qualify, the Household Support Fund and local council grants remain essential lifelines. Stay informed, check your eligibility, and apply early where needed.