The UK Government is preparing a new financial assistance package aimed at supporting households struggling with rising expenses. A £375 Cost of Living Payment is expected to roll out in November 2025, offering relief to millions facing high energy bills, expensive groceries, increasing rent, and persistent inflation.
This detailed guide breaks down who qualifies, when payments will arrive, how the process works, and what to do if your payment is delayed. Whether you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, tax credits, or other income-based benefits, this article provides a clear overview of what to expect.
Why the Government Is Issuing a New £375 Support Payment
Despite a gradual drop in inflation, the cost of essentials in 2025 continues to remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Rent, household energy, transportation, and food prices are still affecting millions of families, especially low-income households, disabled individuals, and pensioners.
The Government’s £375 Cost of Living Payment aims to help vulnerable groups manage critical winter expenses such as heating, food, healthcare travel, and outstanding bills. This initiative continues ongoing efforts to ease financial pressure on those most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
Who Is Expected To Qualify for the £375 Payment?
Eligibility for this 2025 support package is expected to mirror earlier schemes, largely applying to people receiving means-tested or disability-related benefits.
1. Universal Credit Claimants
Most individuals receiving Universal Credit will qualify, provided they had an active assessment period during the Government’s qualifying dates.
Eligible groups include:
- Single adults
- Couples
- Families with children
- Low-income workers
- People temporarily unemployed
You may not qualify if:
- Your Universal Credit was reduced to £0 due to high earnings
- Your claim was sanctioned
- You missed required reporting or review updates
2. Pension Credit Claimants
People receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit) are expected to qualify automatically.
Pension Credit is a strong indicator of financial vulnerability, making pensioners a priority group for Government support.
If you’re over State Pension age but not claiming Pension Credit, checking your eligibility could unlock this support as well as other benefits.
3. Claimants on Income-Based Benefits
You are also likely to qualify if you receive:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (when paired with another qualifying benefit)
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Those receiving tax credits only will receive payments from HMRC, often a few days later than DWP claimants.
4. Disability Benefit Recipients
Although this £375 is primarily a means-tested payment, an additional Disability Cost of Living Payment may be included.
Possible qualifying disability benefits include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment
Official confirmation is still pending.
5. Carers and Long-Term Illness Claimants
If you receive any of the following alongside a qualifying means-tested benefit, you may also be eligible:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer’s Support Payment (Scotland)
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Benefits
Qualifying Dates for Eligibility
To receive the payment, your benefit must be active within specific Government assessment dates, expected between:
- Early September 2025
- Mid-October 2025
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the rollout.
When Will the £375 Cost of Living Payment Be Paid?
Payments are expected to be issued throughout November 2025, following a phased schedule.
Universal Credit & Income-Based Benefits
Likely payment window:
4 November 2025 – 20 November 2025
Pension Credit Recipients
Pensioners typically receive support earlier due to their higher vulnerability.
Expected window:
2 November 2025 – 15 November 2025
Backdated Pension Credit claims may also qualify.
Tax Credits-Only Claimants (HMRC)
HMRC payments usually arrive later:
22 November 2025 – 27 November 2025
Do You Need To Apply?
No application is required.
Payments will be:
- Automatic
- Paid directly into your bank account
- Sent separately from regular benefits
- Clearly labelled (e.g., “DWP COLP” or “HMRC COL Payment”)
Never respond to messages asking you to “apply” or “confirm bank details.” These are scams.
What To Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
If the payment window ends and you still haven’t received the £375:
Step 1: Check Your Benefits
Confirm:
- Your benefit was active during qualifying dates
- You were not paid £0 due to earnings
- Your claim wasn’t suspended or sanctioned
Step 2: Wait Until the Last Payment Phase
Payments are often made in batches and may arrive near the end of the window.
Step 3: Contact DWP or HMRC
Use official helpline numbers only. You may need:
- National Insurance number
- Payment reference details
- Claim history
DWP may take up to 15 days to investigate missing payments.
How the Payment Will Show in Your Bank Account
Common references include:
- “DWP COLP”
- “HMRC COL Payment”
- “Cost of Living Support”
It will never appear under the name of your usual benefit.
Will More Financial Support Follow?
The Government may introduce additional assistance in early 2026 depending on inflation trends and energy costs. Possible future support may include:
- Winter heating supplements
- One-off pensioner bonuses
- Extra disability support
- Regional support from devolved administrations
Nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
Tips To Ensure You Remain Eligible
1. Pensioners: Check Pension Credit Eligibility
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners miss out on this benefit. Backdating up to 3 months could secure eligibility.
2. Keep Your Universal Credit Account Updated
Make sure:
- Rent details are accurate
- Wage information is correct
- All commitments and reviews are completed
3. Check Combined Benefit Eligibility
You may qualify only if you receive certain benefits together, such as:
- Housing Benefit + Tax Credits
- Carer’s Allowance + Universal Credit
- ESA + Housing Benefit
Official Scam Warnings
Be cautious of:
- Fake “application links”
- Messages asking for bank details
- Email scams
- Social media posts requesting personal information
The Government never requires sign-ups for cost-of-living payments.
The £375 Cost of Living Payment set for November 2025 is a vital measure designed to assist UK households coping with rising expenses. Paid automatically to millions of people on means-tested benefits, tax credits, and Pension Credit, this support will help cover essential winter costs.
By keeping your benefit information up-to-date and remaining alert to scams, you can ensure you receive this payment smoothly and on time.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the £375 Cost of Living Payment?
No. Payments are automatic for eligible claimants and require no application.
Who will receive the payment first?
Pension Credit recipients usually receive their payments earlier than other groups.
How do I know if I qualified?
Check your benefit statements for activity during the qualifying dates between early September and mid-October 2025.