As the cost of living remains a pressing issue across the UK, particularly for households with limited income, the government is stepping in with another vital support measure. A £650 Cost of Living Support payment will be issued this June 2025 to over 7 million low-income households, offering much-needed financial relief during difficult economic times.
This one-time payment is part of a broader effort by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ease the financial strain on families grappling with rising energy prices, grocery bills, and housing costs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what this payment is, who qualifies, how it will be delivered, and what to do if you don’t receive it.
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£650 Cost of Living Support Coming in June 2025
The £650 Cost of Living Support is a non-taxable, one-off cash payment targeting UK households already receiving certain benefits. It is part of a wider government commitment to reduce the financial burdens facing those who are most vulnerable.
Unlike loans or repayable assistance, this support is completely free, automatically transferred to the beneficiary’s account, and requires no separate application. The payment is made per household, not per individual.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £650 per eligible household |
| Eligibility Period | 1 March to 31 May 2025 |
| Payment Start Date | 15 June 2025 |
| Final Payment Date | 30 June 2025 |
| How It Will Appear in Banks | “DWP COLP” + National Insurance Number |
| Who Qualifies | Recipients of means-tested benefits (e.g., UC, JSA, ESA, Tax Credits, etc.) |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the £650 payout, individuals must have received any one of the qualifying benefits between 1 March and 31 May 2025. These qualifying benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit (only if Universal Credit is not received)
Note: Only one payment will be made per eligible household, regardless of the number of qualifying individuals living at the same address.
People receiving non-means-tested benefits, such as the State Pension, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), will not be eligible under this scheme, though they may qualify for separate assistance programs later in the year.
Payment Schedule
The DWP has outlined a three-phase timeline to disburse the funds:
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 15 June 2025 | First batch of payments released |
| 20 June 2025 | Over half of eligible households paid |
| 30 June 2025 | Final payments completed |
This means that all qualified recipients will have received their payments by the end of June 2025, directly into the bank accounts where they already receive their benefits.
How Will the Payment Appear in Bank Statements?
To make it easier for recipients to identify the payment, the DWP will label it in bank statements as:
“DWP COLP” followed by the recipient’s National Insurance number.
So if you’re eligible, keep a close watch on your bank activity in the latter half of June to spot this entry.
Q1. Will everyone get the £650 payment?
A: No, only those receiving qualifying benefits between March and May 2025 are eligible.
Q2. Do I need to apply for the support?
A: No, payments are made automatically to eligible households.
Q3. What if I don’t see the payment in June?
A: Contact the DWP and ensure your benefit and bank details are correct.
