The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a £450 cost of living payment for July 2025 to help UK families and pensioners struggling with high bills. This one-off payment aims to ease the pressure of summer costs like childcare, food, and energy. With millions expected to benefit, it’s vital to know if you’re eligible and how to ensure you get the cash. Written in simple language, this article explains the details, eligibility, and steps to take.
What’s the £450 Payment About?
The £450 payment is a government effort to support low-income households during the summer of 2025. It’s a tax-free sum paid directly into your bank account, marked “DWP COLP” with your National Insurance number. Designed to help with rising costs, especially during school holidays, the payment will roll out between July 15 and July 26, 2025. Unlike past years, it’s a single payment, not split up, making it easier to use for big expenses.
- It’s for people on certain benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
- No application needed—it’s paid automatically if you qualify.
- Use it for essentials like food, energy bills, or childcare.
This support follows previous cost of living payments and is part of a wider plan to help families cope with inflation.
Who Can Get the £450?
To get the £450 payment, you must be claiming specific benefits during a qualifying period, expected to be a week in June 2025, though exact dates are still to be confirmed. The DWP will check if you were receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support during this time. If you’re only on benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) without an income-based benefit, you won’t qualify.
Here’s a quick guide to qualifying benefits:
| Benefit Type | Examples of Qualifying Benefits |
|---|---|
| Means-Tested Benefits | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support |
| Tax Credits | Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit |
- Joint claims get one payment per household, not two.
- If your benefit was reduced to £0 due to sanctions, you may not qualify.
- Keep your bank details updated with the DWP to avoid delays.
Check your benefit status on Gov.uk or contact the DWP to ensure you’re set to receive the payment.
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
You don’t need to apply for the £450 payment—it’s sent automatically to the account where your benefits are paid. To avoid missing out, make sure your DWP or HMRC records are up to date with your current bank details and address. If you’ve recently started claiming a qualifying benefit, like Pension Credit, you might still get the payment, but it could arrive later. Look for “DWP COLP” in your bank statement to spot it.
- Check your benefit claims to confirm you’re eligible.
- Update your details online or call the DWP helpline at 0800 731 0469.
- Report a missing payment by late July if it doesn’t arrive.
If you don’t see the payment by July 26, 2025, contact the DWP through your usual benefit channel. Have your National Insurance number ready for quick help.
Extra Support for Pensioners
Pensioners on Pension Credit could get even more help in 2025. Alongside the £450 payment, those eligible for Pension Credit may receive a Winter Fuel Payment of £200–£300 in November or December 2025. Pension Credit itself boosts weekly income by £227.10 for singles or £346.60 for couples, and it unlocks extras like council tax discounts or a free TV licence for over-75s.
- Apply for Pension Credit by August 2025 to get all benefits.
- Check eligibility online or call the DWP for help.
- Pension Credit can be backdated by three months if you’ve missed out.
Many pensioners miss out on Pension Credit, so it’s worth checking if you qualify for this extra cash boost.
Other Help Available
If you don’t qualify for the £450 payment, there’s still support out there. Local councils run the Household Support Fund, offering up to £300 in cash or vouchers for essentials in summer 2025. You can also look into the Warm Home Discount, which cuts £150 off your electricity bill. Charities like Citizens Advice or Age UK can help you find these schemes if you’re struggling.
- Contact your council for Household Support Fund details.
- Use online benefit calculators on Gov.uk to find unclaimed support.
- Call the DWP if you think you were wrongly left out of the payment.
The £450 payment is a big help for millions, but it’s just one part of the support available. Stay informed, check your eligibility, and make sure you’re getting all the cash you’re entitled to this July 2025!