£250 DWP Cost of Living Payment – Who Gets It in June 2025? Full Eligibility List

£250 DWP Cost of Living Payment : With rising costs continuing to pressure household budgets across the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced a new support measure for June 2025. The £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment is part of the government’s effort to ease financial strain on low-income families dealing with ongoing inflation, expensive utility bills, and increased food costs. This mid-year payment is designed to offer timely relief when many households are feeling the pinch.

Unlike previous support payments that applied broadly, the £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment in June 2025 comes with updated eligibility rules. The payment is targeted specifically at those who meet the income-based criteria during a defined qualifying window. Understanding who qualifies, how the payments are issued, and what steps to take if you don’t receive it is key to ensuring you get the support you’re entitled to.

£250 DWP Cost of Living Payment – What You Need to Know

The £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically to eligible individuals between June 10 and June 30, 2025. This one-off, tax-free payment is meant to help cover basic living expenses during the summer, such as food, utilities, and childcare. Recipients don’t need to apply, provided they were receiving qualifying benefits between April 10 and May 9, 2025.

This payment falls under the DWP support June initiative and is separate from any ongoing benefit payments. It won’t affect your existing entitlements or tax obligations and is expected to be reflected in your bank statement with a special reference for easy identification.

Overview Table: £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment

Detail	Information
Payment Amount	£250
Payment Period	June 10 – June 30, 2025
Eligibility Window	April 10 – May 9, 2025
Who Qualifies	Recipients of income-based benefits
Application Needed	No – payment is automatic
Payment Reference	“DWP COL SUM25” or “HMRC COL SUM25”
Applies to Joint Claims?	Yes – one payment per household
Will it affect benefits?	No – it is a separate, tax-free payment

Eligibility for the £250 Cost of Living Payment in June 2025

To be eligible for the £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment, individuals must have received at least one of the following benefits during the qualifying period (April 10 to May 9, 2025):

• Universal Credit (some earnings-based exceptions apply)
  
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  
• Income Support
  
• Pension Credit
  
• Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (administered by HMRC)
  

Important: Those receiving only contribution-based benefits, such as New Style ESA or JSA, do not qualify unless they also receive an income-based benefit. If you’re unsure about your benefit type, it’s advised to check your latest benefit statement or contact your local DWP office.

Payment Timeline and Method

The DWP has stated that most eligible recipients will receive their £250 payment between June 10 and June 30, 2025. Payments will be made directly into the bank account associated with your benefit claim.

Here’s how the payment may appear:

• DWP-administered benefits: “DWP COL SUM25”
  
• Tax Credit recipients (via HMRC): “HMRC COL SUM25”
  

If you’re part of a joint claim, only one £250 payment will be made per household, even if both individuals are eligible. There is no need to apply for this payment, as it will be issued automatically if your records meet the criteria.

£250 Payment Table: Eligibility Snapshot

Benefit Type	Eligible?	Notes
Universal Credit	Yes	Must have qualifying assessment period
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance	Yes	Contribution-based JSA not eligible
Income-related ESA	Yes	Contribution-only ESA excluded
Income Support	Yes	Automatically qualifies
Pension Credit	Yes	Must be active during eligibility window
Child or Working Tax Credit	Yes	Paid via HMRC
Contribution-based ESA or JSA only	No	Must be paired with income-based benefit to qualify

Why the £250 Support Matters in 2025

The £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment comes at a time when inflation continues to strain the budgets of working families, pensioners, and low-income earners. Many have seen their regular income stretch thinner due to increasing costs of food, rent, and energy. For families with children, the June payment is particularly valuable as it coincides with the summer holiday season, often a time of higher spending.

This support also forms part of a broader financial protection plan from the government. While additional cost of living payments may be introduced later in the year, such as in autumn, the June 2025 installment provides immediate relief when it’s needed most.

What to Do if You Don’t Receive the Payment

If you’re expecting the £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment and haven’t received it by July 1, 2025, here’s what to do:

1. Check your bank statement for the reference “DWP COL SUM25” or “HMRC COL SUM25”.
   
2. Ensure your benefit records and bank details are current. Incorrect data may delay the payment.
   
3. Report the missing payment through the official DWP online portal or contact the benefit office responsible for your claim.
   

Warning: Attempting to claim the payment if you are not eligible can lead to penalties or repayment demands. Only report missing payments if you meet all the qualifying criteria

Conclusion

The £250 DWP Cost of Living Payment for June 2025 is a well-timed intervention by the UK government aimed at easing financial pressure on low-income households. With automatic payments and clear eligibility rules, the system is designed to be accessible and fast-acting.

To ensure you don’t miss out, double-check your eligibility, monitor your bank for the correct payment reference, and keep your benefit records updated. This support might not solve all financial challenges, but it can certainly offer a helpful cushion during a tough summer season.

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