Inflation in Britain is constantly affecting the pockets of the people. The prices of gas, electricity and food items are still high. In such a situation, the UK government has once again come forward to provide financial relief to needy families.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed that the Cost of Living Payment will be given in October 2025. This payment is especially for those people who have low income and who are taking some kind of benefits from the government. Its purpose is to help people with additional expenses before winter.
When Will This Payment of October 2025 Be Received?
According to government information, this payment will be given between 7 October to 18 October 2025. This amount will be deposited directly into your bank account, and you will not have to apply for it.
What to Do if Money Does Not Come?
If you have received eligible benefits and still haven’t received a payment by 21 October 2025, DWP recommends that you wait for 5 working days. If you still haven’t received a payment, you can contact DWP.
Key Dates
Event
- Eligibility test period: 19 August to 15 September 2025
- Payment period: 7 October to 18 October 2025
- Payment identifier: DWP COL + your National Insurance number
- Contact if payment not made: After 21 October 2025
Who Is Eligible for This Payment?
If you received any of the following means-tested benefits between 19 August and 15 September 2025, you may be eligible for this payment.
Eligible Benefit Schemes
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (from HMRC)
Note:
If you are on contribution-based JSA or ESA and do not include an income-based part, you will not be eligible for this payment.
What Name Will the Payment Come Into Your Bank Account Under?
When the amount is credited to your bank account, the transaction will say:
DWP COL AB123456C
“COL” stands for Cost of Living, followed by your National Insurance number.
This payment will be separate from any other government scheme or pension. You can identify it by looking at your account.
Do You Need to Fill Out a Form?
No. The DWP system will look at your past benefit records to decide if you are eligible for this payment. All you have to do is make sure that:
- You have claimed your benefits on time
- Your bank details and address are up to date
- Your National Insurance number is correct
If all this is correct, you will receive this payment automatically.
How to Avoid Fraud and Scams?
Whenever the government brings a new relief scheme, scammers try to cheat people. They can ask for bank details by sending fake messages, emails or calling.
How to Avoid Scams
- DWP never asks for your personal details or bank information by SMS or email
- Do not click on any unknown link
- Only trust the information given on the government website (GOV.UK)
- If you get any suspicious call, message or email, report it to Action Fraud or contact DWP
What Other Help Is Available in Winter?
Apart from the Cost of Living Payment of October 2025, the government also runs many other schemes which help especially in winter.
1. Winter Fuel Payment
This scheme is for pensioners, so that they can meet heating expenses in winter.
2. Warm Home Discount
Under this scheme, eligible families get discounts on electricity and gas bills.
3. Cold Weather Payment
If the weather is very cold (constantly below 0°C), then this payment automatically comes into your account.
4. Household Support Fund
This scheme is run by the local council in which financial help is given on things like food, clothes, children’s uniforms, school supplies.
Why Is This Scheme Important?
Inflation in Britain has made the life of the common man difficult. Especially:
- Single parents
- Elderly
- Unemployed
- Disabled people
- Low-income families
This is a big support for such people. Electricity and gas bills have increased, rent has become expensive, and the price of medicines is also increasing.
This Cost of Living Payment of the government will give people some relief at the beginning of winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ When will I get this payment?
This payment will be transferred directly to your account between 7 and 18 October 2025.
❓ Do I have to apply for it?
No. If you are eligible, DWP will send you the payment automatically.
❓ Under which benefit schemes is this payment available?
Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working and Child Tax Credit.
❓ What if I don’t get the money by 21 October?
Wait for 5 working days. If you still don’t get the payment, contact DWP.
❓ How to avoid scams?
Do not trust any call, email or message asking you for personal information or bank details. See government information only on GOV.UK.
Conclusion
The DWP Cost of Living Payment of October 2025 can bring relief to millions of people. If you are eligible, you will get this money directly and without any application. With this amount, you will be able to manage the necessary expenses for the winter in a better way.
The government is trying to provide timely assistance to every needy person so that they can face the festive season and cold without stress.