Haven’t Got Your £299 DWP Payment? Here’s How to Check and What to Do

As inflation continues to strain UK households, the government has completed the final installment of its £900 Cost of Living support package. In April 2025, eligible low-income individuals received a £299 payment to help manage rising energy bills, food costs, and general living expenses.

This guide covers who qualified, how the payments were distributed, and what to do if you didn’t receive yours.

Overview: Final £299 Payment in the £900 Support Package

The £299 payment is the third and final installment of the government’s Cost of Living initiative for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Here’s how the payments were structured:

Each installment was aimed at offering steady support over the year to individuals facing financial hardship.

$2.4 Billion in IRS Stimulus Checks: How to Apply and Who Qualifies

Eligibility for the £299 Cost of Living Payment

To receive the £299 payment, you must have been receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits during the qualifying period (13 November – 12 December 2024):

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit

If you were continuously eligible during this period, the payment should have been made automatically.

Who Was Not Eligible?

You did not qualify for the £299 payment if you were only receiving:

• New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Contribution-based ESA
• New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

These benefits are not means-tested and do not target low-income households. Additionally, anyone with a temporary gap in benefit claims during the eligibility window may have been excluded.

COLA Increase for 2025 Announced – Social Security Payment Dates Revealed!

How the Payment Was Issued

Depending on your benefit type, payments were handled by either DWP or HMRC:

No application was necessary—payments were made automatically between 6 April and 22 April 2025.

Didn’t Receive Your £299 Payment?

If you expected a payment but haven’t received it, follow these steps:

1. Check Bank Statements – Look for “DWP COL” or “HMRC COLS” within the payment window.
2. Verify Eligibility – Ensure you were receiving a qualifying benefit between 13 Nov–12 Dec 2024.
3. Report a Missing Payment – Use the GOV.UK Missing Payment Form to submit a claim.
4. Contact DWP or HMRC – Call your benefit provider for a detailed update.

Trump’s New Tax Plan Might Cost the US $4.5 Trillion, Republicans Reveal

Late Claims & Backdating

If you applied for Pension Credit after the eligibility period but before 5 March 2025, and your claim was backdated to cover 13 November–12 December 2024, you may still qualify.

What to Do:

• Check the status of your backdated claim with DWP.
• If eligible, the payment will be issued automatically.
• Otherwise, you may need to report it as missing.

Common Reasons for Delays or Missing Payments

• Incorrect or outdated bank details
• High volumes of claims causing delays
• Ongoing or rejected benefit claims
• Fraud prevention or identity verification checks

If any of these apply to you, reach out to your benefit provider for resolution.

$2,400 Federal Benefit Available in 2025 – Check Benefits Eligibility & Payment Date

How to Avoid Scams

Scammers often target benefit recipients during major government payment rollouts. Protect yourself by remembering

• DWP and HMRC will never ask for your personal or bank details via text, phone, or email.
• Ignore messages with suspicious links or urgent payment requests.
• Always confirm payment info directly through GOV.UK.

Conclusion

The £299 Cost of Living Payment marked the final support installment in a £900 package to assist vulnerable UK residents. If you believe you qualified but haven’t received it, check your benefit status and act promptly to report any issues.

FAQs