The £250 cost of living payment is part of the UK government’s ongoing support to help low-income households face rising inflation and energy costs.
Scheduled for May 2025, this one-off payment is non-taxable and issued separately from ongoing benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
To qualify, individuals needed to meet strict criteria based on their benefit status during a specified qualifying window from March 18 to April 17, 2025.
Who Qualifies for the £250 Payment in May 2025?
Eligibility for the £250 payment depends on receiving one of the following benefits during the qualifying period:
- 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
Claimants must have been entitled to a payment (or have had an assessment period that ended within the qualifying dates).
Why Some Eligible People Are Missing Out
Even eligible individuals may not automatically receive the payment. Common reasons for missing out include:
- Paused or Sanctioned Benefits: If your Universal Credit or other qualifying benefit was paused, sanctioned, or stopped during the eligibility period.
- Unupdated Personal Information: Changes in address or bank details not updated with the DWP in time could lead to failed transfers.
- New Claims Not Processed: Those who applied during the window but were approved later may not qualify for this round.
- Contribution-Based Benefits Only: Those receiving contribution-based JSA or ESA without income-based elements are excluded.
- System Errors or Delays: Administrative issues sometimes cause delays or missing payments despite eligibility.
How to Confirm Your Eligibility
If you believe you are entitled to the payment, cross-check the following:
| Requirement | Checkpoint |
|---|---|
| Benefit received | Were you on a qualifying benefit between March 18–April 17, 2025? |
| Type of benefit | Was it an income-based benefit, not contribution-based only? |
| Address and bank details | Were these updated with DWP during the qualifying period? |
| Recent benefit application | Was your new claim approved before or during the qualifying window? |
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive the Payment
If you fulfilled all criteria but have not received the £250 payment by May 28, 2025, you need to act quickly:
- Wait until May 28: Some payments could still be in processing.
- Check Benefit Statements: Review your benefit payment history for the eligibility window.
- Contact the DWP: Use the Cost of Living Payment helpline or the GOV.UK online portal.
- Prepare to Appeal: If no satisfactory resolution is given, prepare a Mandatory Reconsideration.
How to Appeal the Missed £250 Payment
If you need to file an appeal:
- Contact DWP: Call or send a letter clearly explaining why you believe you were eligible.
- Request Mandatory Reconsideration: Officially ask the DWP to review their decision.
- Provide Evidence: Include relevant documents like benefit award letters, bank statements, and any notifications received.
- Keep Copies: Always save copies of all your communications.
- Follow Up: If there is no response within four weeks, follow up to escalate the appeal.
Appealing promptly with accurate information greatly increases the chance of a successful resolution.
The £250 cost of living payment is vital support for thousands of UK households, but due to various technical or procedural issues, many are unintentionally missing out.
If you believe you qualify, check your records carefully and do not hesitate to appeal if necessary.
Ensuring your details are accurate and taking quick action can help you claim the financial support you are entitled to in 2025.
FAQs
What benefits qualify for the £250 cost of living payment in May 2025?
Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
What should I do if I missed the £250 payment?
First, wait until May 28, then check your benefit records. If still missing, contact the DWP and request a Mandatory Reconsideration if needed.
Are contribution-based benefits eligible for the £250 payment?
No, only income-based benefits qualify. Solely receiving contribution-based benefits will make you ineligible.