DWP Confirms £450 UK Payment For May 2025 – Who Qualifies And How To Get It

In May 2025, the UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is providing a one-off, tax-free £450 Cost of Living Payment.

In May 2025, the UK government is issuing a one-time, tax-exempt £450 Cost of Living Payment via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This financial support is aimed at helping low-income households cope with the increasing cost of living.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Payment Amount	£450 per qualifying individual
Payment Start Date	Begins May 13, 2025
Eligibility Period	March 11 to April 7, 2025
Eligible Benefits	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit
Application Required	No – payments will be issued automatically
Payment Method	Direct bank deposit to the account on record
Payment Reference	“DWP COLP” or “HMRC COLP” plus the National Insurance Number
Deadline to Receive Payment	By the end of May 2025
Official Website	gov.uk/dwp

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the £450 payment, individuals must have been receiving one or more of the following benefits between March 11 and April 7, 2025:

• Universal Credit (excluding cases with a ‘nil award’)
• Pension Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit

Note: Individuals who only receive “New Style” JSA or ESA, or contribution-based benefits, do not qualify unless they also receive one of the eligible income-related benefits listed above.

Payment Schedule

There is no need to apply, as payments will be issued automatically. The schedule is:

• DWP Benefits: Between May 13 and May 24, 2025
• Tax Credits (HMRC): Between May 20 and May 31, 2025

Claimants should look for the reference “DWP COLP” or “HMRC COLP” followed by their National Insurance number in their bank transactions.

Purpose of the Payment

The purpose of this £450 payment is to help struggling households manage the following financial pressures:

• Climbing energy costs
• Rising food expenses
• Increased housing payments
• Ongoing inflation

This measure is part of a broader governmental effort to provide targeted relief to vulnerable communities during difficult economic times.

How to Prepare

Although the payment is issued automatically, recipients should take the following steps to ensure a smooth process:

• Confirm that their bank details on file with DWP or HMRC are correct
• Monitor bank statements for the payment reference
• Inform the relevant authority of any changes to their personal or financial situation

Additional Support Measures

In addition to the £450 payment, other government programs are available:

• Household Support Fund: Helps with basic needs such as groceries and energy bills
• Energy Bill Assistance: Offers discounts and grants for energy expenses
• Local Authority Programs: Vary by area and may provide extra aid

For more details, individuals should contact their local council or visit gov.uk.

The May 2025 Cost of Living Payment is a vital lifeline for many UK residents. By staying informed about eligibility and ensuring their information is up to date, recipients can avoid delays in receiving this support.

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