Cost of Living Payment 2025: As the cost of living remains a major concern for households across the UK, many people are wondering what support is still available in 2025. While the official cost of living payments introduced during the financial crisis have ended, other forms of assistance continue. Whether itโs help from local councils or scheduled Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit payments, knowing what to expect in May can make a real difference.
The Cost of Living Payment 2025 no longer includes automatic grant payments like the previous ยฃ299 instalment. However, financial support hasnโt disappeared. From advance payments to local council grants, there are several ways people can access help if they are struggling.
Cost of Living Payment 2025: What to Expect This May
Although there are no new nationwide cost of living payments scheduled for May 2025, support schemes remain in place. These include local government funds, budgeting loans, and regularly scheduled DWP payments. Understanding the current payment structure and knowing when your benefits will arrive is essentialโespecially with two bank holidays this month that could cause early payment dates.
Overview Table: DWP Benefits and Key Payment Info (May 2025)
| Benefit or Scheme | Payment Frequency | Payment Adjustment (May 2025) |
| Universal Credit | Monthly | Early if due on May 5 or May 26 |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks | Paid earlier if due on bank holidays |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks | Early if falling on May 5 or May 26 |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every 4 weeks | Early if scheduled for a bank holiday |
| Personal Independence Payment | Every 4 weeks | May be paid earlier due to bank holidays |
| Carerโs Allowance | Weekly or every 4 weeks | Adjusted for early payment if due on May 5/26 |
| Jobseekerโs Allowance | Every 2 weeks | Paid earlier if falling on May 5 or May 26 |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks | Moved earlier for May bank holidays |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks | Paid early if due on a holiday |
| Maternity Allowance | Every 2 or 4 weeks | Adjusted as necessary |
Will There Be Another Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
There are currently no new national cost of living payments scheduled for 2025. The final automatic payment of ยฃ299 was completed in February 2024. These payments were part of a larger support package aimed at helping low-income households during a time of rising inflation.
Despite the end of these direct payments, financial aid is still available for those who need it. Most notably, local councils continue to distribute money through support schemes aimed at providing food, energy, and emergency help to struggling families.
Are There Any Other Benefits I Could Be Due?
Even though cost of living payments have ended, you may still be eligible for other forms of support. If you are on a low income or not working, here are some benefits and schemes to look into:
- Universal Credit โ for people in or out of work with low income.
- Pension Credit โ for those over state pension age with limited income.
- Housing Benefit โ to help with rent (for those not on Universal Credit).
- Council Tax Reduction โ support for council tax bills.
- Disability Benefits โ such as PIP or DLA depending on your health condition.
- Carerโs Allowance โ for those looking after someone with substantial needs.
You can check eligibility through various online benefit calculators that help estimate what you may be entitled to.
Full List of DWP Dates in May 2025
Because May includes two bank holidaysโMonday 5 May and Monday 26 Mayโmany benefit payments due on those days will be made earlier.
- Payments due on Monday, 5 May will be made on Friday, 2 May.
- Payments due on Monday, 26 May will be made on Friday, 23 May.
This applies to a wide range of benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension, Carerโs Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseekerโs Allowance, and more.
Make sure to budget accordingly if you receive early payments, as your next payment may still follow its original schedule four weeks or two weeks later.
Local Council Support: The Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund remains one of the most important sources of financial help in 2025. Councils across the country have the authority to distribute funds to residents in need.
This could include:
- Supermarket vouchers
- Cash grants
- Support with energy bills
- Essential items for children or elderly people
Eligibility varies, and not all councils offer the same types of help. You donโt need to be receiving benefits to qualify, but you will need to show that youโre experiencing financial hardship. To apply, visit your local councilโs website or contact them directly.
Budgeting Advance Loans
If you’re on Universal Credit and face an emergencyโlike needing to pay for essentials before your next paymentโyou may qualify for a Budgeting Advance Loan.
These are interest-free and repaid through future Universal Credit payments.
You can borrow up to:
- ยฃ348 if youโre single
- ยฃ464 if youโre part of a couple
- ยฃ812 if you have children
These loans are especially helpful for covering urgent one-off expenses and can be requested through your Universal Credit online account or by contacting your work coach.
Extra Help and Support Schemes
In addition to government-funded support, some energy companies and financial institutions also offer grants or hardship funds for customers in need. If you’re behind on your bills or struggling with debts, here are some additional options:
- Energy Supplier Grants โ support for energy debt and ongoing bills
- British Gas Energy Trust โ open to customers of any supplier, but requires advice from a debt adviser first
- Citizens Advice โ free help with benefit claims, debt advice, and access to local grant schemes
- Mortgage and Credit Support โ lenders are required to offer tailored plans if youโre struggling to pay
Always speak to your supplier or lender early if you think youโll miss a paymentโthey may have help available.
FAQs
Will I get a new cost of living payment in May 2025?
No, the last cost of living payment was issued in early 2024. However, other types of support remain available.
Are DWP payments changing in May?
Yes, if your regular payment falls on a bank holiday (May 5 or 26), it will be paid early.
Can I still get help even if Iโm not on benefits?
Yes. Local councils may offer support through the Household Support Fund for people not on benefits but still struggling financially.
How do I know if Iโm eligible for extra help?
Use a benefits calculator or contact your local council to check available support.
What should I do if I havenโt received a payment I expected?
Contact DWP or use their official website to report a missing payment.
Final Thoughts
Although the Cost of Living Payment 2025 does not include new grants or automatic deposits, plenty of financial help is still available. From local council support to budgeting advances and early DWP payments due to Mayโs bank holidays, there are ways to manage short-term financial challenges.
Make sure your payment details are current, explore what benefits you might qualify for, and never hesitate to ask for helpโwhether from your council, utility provider, or local charity. Staying informed is the first step toward staying financially secure.
