With the increasing financial strain caused by the rising cost of living in the UK, the government has introduced cost-of-living payments to support vulnerable groups.
The most recent of these is the £300 second installment of the Cost of Living Payment for 2025, which aims to provide relief to millions of low-income households.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the £300 second installment, including deposit dates, eligibility criteria, and how to report any missing payments.
Overview of the £300 Cost of Living Payment
The £300 second installment is part of a larger £900 support package that was distributed across three payments during the 2023/2024 period.
The second payment aims to support individuals who are already receiving eligible benefits, ensuring they get much-needed financial relief. This payment is automatically provided to eligible recipients, so there is no need for a separate application.
| Payment Component | Details |
|---|---|
| First Payment | £301 (Issued between April 25 and May 17, 2024) |
| Second Payment | £300 (Issued between October 31 and November 19, 2025) |
| Third Payment | £299 (Expected by Spring 2025) |
| Report Missing Payment | From April 20, 2025 onwards |
| Disability Payment | £150 (By April 1, 2025) |
Eligibility Criteria for the £300 Cost of Living Payment
To qualify for the £300 Cost of Living Payment, you must be receiving one of the following eligible benefits during the relevant assessment period:
- Universal Credit: You are eligible if you were entitled to Universal Credit during the assessment period from 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023.
- Working and Child Tax Credit: If you were entitled to a Tax Credit payment during the period from 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023, or later receive a payment during that time, you are eligible for the £300 payment.
- Income Support, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): If you were entitled to one of these benefits for any day during the 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023 period, you qualify for the £300 payment.
How to Claim the Payment
Most recipients will automatically receive the £300 Cost of Living Payment, but if you believe you qualify but haven’t received the payment, here’s how you can claim it:
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you are receiving one of the qualifying benefits for the relevant period.
- Access MyGov: Log into your MyGov account. If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account.
- Complete the Online Claim: Fill out the online application form on the Services Australia website. Make sure to include your personal and financial information accurately.
- Submit Documents: Attach necessary documents such as proof of income and medical certifications if required.
- Follow Up: After submitting your claim, you will be notified by Services Australia regarding your payment status.
£300 Second Cost of Living Payment Dates
The second installment of the £300 Cost of Living Payment will be issued between October 31 and November 19, 2025. Following this, the third payment of £299 will be issued by Spring 2025.
Key Points to Remember:
- Payments are direct: The £300 payment will be deposited directly into your bank account.
- No application required: You do not need to apply for the payment if you are already receiving one of the eligible benefits.
- Tax Credit Recipients: Those receiving Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit will only receive the payment for the Child Tax Credit.
- Reporting Missing Payments: If you have not received the second payment by April 2025, you can report it through the official government portal.
Disability Cost of Living Payment
If you are receiving disability-related benefits, you may also be eligible for an additional £150 Cost of Living Payment. This payment is available to individuals receiving the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) will issue the disability payment, not HMRC, for individuals who receive benefits from both the DWP and Ministry of Defence.
Staying Informed
To ensure you receive all available support, check the official government website regularly for updates. Some programs, such as the Household Support Fund and energy bill grants, may require an application by a certain deadline.
It is also helpful to seek advice from organizations like Citizens Advice to navigate the eligibility and application processes for various support schemes.
The £300 Second Cost of Living Payment is part of the UK government’s ongoing efforts to help low-income households manage rising living costs.
It is automatically provided to eligible individuals, including those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and various tax credits. While the second installment will be disbursed between October 31 and November 19, 2025, you can report missing payments starting in April 2025.
If you’re eligible, the payment will provide much-needed relief during challenging economic times.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £300 second Cost of Living Payment?
You must be receiving eligible benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Tax Credits during the assessment period from 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023.
When will the second payment of £300 be made?
The second installment will be issued between October 31 and November 19, 2025.
How do I report a missing payment?
You can report a missing payment via the official government portal starting from April 20, 2025.