With the rising costs of essentials, millions in the UK continue to seek clarity on financial support from the government. One pressing question circulating among low-income households, pensioners, and benefit claimants is: Is there a cost of living payment in October 2025?
This article examines the latest statements from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), outlines eligibility for past payments, and provides guidance on the types of support still available this autumn.
What Has the Government Said About Cost of Living Payments in October 2025?
As of October 2025, the UK Government has not made any official announcement regarding a new cost of living payment for this month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not introduced any further financial aid for benefit recipients or low-income households since the last scheduled payment in February 2024.
During the previous support cycles in 2022, 2023, and early 2024, the government introduced a structured set of cost of living payments to assist people affected by inflation, rising energy prices, and increased household expenses.
These payments were pre-planned and part of the government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis triggered by economic pressures following the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
In 2025, inflation has stabilised compared to the previous years, and as such, no additional one-off payments have been added to the benefits system.
The official GOV.UK cost of living guidance remains unchanged, and government officials have not issued any statements suggesting a new scheme is being considered for autumn or winter.
When Was the Last DWP Cost of Living Payment Made?
The final round of cost of living payments issued under the government’s 2023–24 support plan was paid between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
This payment amounted to £299 and was aimed at claimants of means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Working Tax Credit, and Pension Credit.
This payment completed the third and last instalment of the cost of living payment cycle that started in April 2023. Each instalment was paid in stages and covered the entire UK, with no need for an application. Payments were automatically credited to eligible recipients’ bank accounts.
Table: Previous Cost of Living Payment Schedule
| Payment Period | Amount | Eligibility Group | Payment Method |
| April – May 2023 | £301 | Means-tested benefits | DWP/HMRC |
| June – July 2023 | £150 | Disability benefit recipients | DWP |
| October – November 2023 | £300 | Pensioners (Winter Fuel Top-up) | DWP |
| November 2023 | £300 | Means-tested benefits | DWP/HMRC |
| February 2024 | £299 | Means-tested benefits | DWP/HMRC |
These payments were provided as part of a temporary measure. No further instalments or follow-up support of this kind have been scheduled for the current year.
Who Was Eligible for the Previous Cost of Living Payments?
Eligibility criteria were clearly defined by the DWP for each type of payment. Individuals had to be receiving a qualifying benefit during a specified assessment period. The qualifying benefits included:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
Claimants had to be receiving one of these benefits within the qualifying dates for each payment period. The DWP also clarified that people whose benefit was reduced to zero during the qualifying period due to sanctions or deductions were not eligible.
For people who only received Tax Credits and not other DWP benefits, payments were handled separately by HMRC and were usually issued shortly after the DWP had completed its payment run.
In the case of disability payments, individuals had to be in receipt of one of the following:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Each payment type was distinct and did not affect entitlement to others. For example, someone eligible for both a disability and low-income payment would receive both payments separately.
Are Any Other Support Payments Scheduled for Autumn 2025?
Although no cost of living payment is scheduled for October 2025, other forms of support remain available, especially for vulnerable individuals such as pensioners, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
Winter 2025 brings with it several routine support schemes that continue to be funded annually:
Winter Fuel Payment
This is available to most people born before 23 September 1958. The payment is made between November and January. The amount varies depending on age and household composition and is paid automatically to eligible recipients who receive a State Pension or certain benefits.
Cold Weather Payment / Winter Heating Payment
In England and Wales, Cold Weather Payments may be made when the average temperature in a specific area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. In Scotland, this has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is not dependent on actual temperatures.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
This provides a one-off discount on electricity bills to people on a low income or receiving certain benefits. This discount is usually applied automatically by energy providers during winter.
Local Authority Support Schemes
Some councils offer help through the Household Support Fund or similar local initiatives. These schemes may include:
- Emergency food vouchers
- Energy bill top-ups
- Housing support grants
How Can You Check Your Eligibility for Support in 2025?
With multiple support schemes available and varying eligibility requirements, it’s important to regularly check your benefit status. The UK government provides online tools and resources that help individuals understand what they can claim.
GOV.UK’s online eligibility checker can be used to review:
- Which benefits you may be entitled to
- How to apply for financial support
- Whether you need to report a change of circumstances
You can also use independent calculators provided by organisations like Turn2Us or EntitledTo to get a broader picture of your potential entitlements.
Local Jobcentres and Citizens Advice offices can help clarify eligibility issues or offer support with applications. Many councils also provide online portals where residents can apply for emergency funding or discretionary payments.
What Should You Do If You’re Struggling with the Cost of Living in October 2025?
If you are finding it difficult to manage household expenses this October, there are steps you can take to access support and manage costs. While there may not be a cost of living payment, the following options can provide relief:
- Contact your local council to inquire about discretionary housing payments or crisis grants
- Speak with your energy supplier to set up a payment plan or apply for the Warm Home Discount
- Visit a Citizens Advice Bureau for help accessing food banks or applying for emergency funds
- Use a benefits calculator to identify unclaimed benefits or tax credits
- Review household spending and prioritise essential expenses
In addition, some charities such as the Trussell Trust or StepChange offer budgeting tools and debt advice services. These resources can be helpful for managing finances when dealing with fluctuating income or rising costs.
Could There Be Future DWP Announcements Before the End of 2025?
While there has been no indication of an upcoming payment in October, the possibility of future support measures cannot be entirely ruled out.
Economic pressures, political developments, or a particularly harsh winter could prompt the government to reassess its support strategies.
The Autumn Statement or Budget is typically delivered in late November. If new cost of living support is introduced, this would likely be the platform for such an announcement.
Indicators that could lead to new support include:
- Rising inflation or fuel prices
- Public or parliamentary pressure for increased welfare spending
- Surplus tax revenue or changes in public borrowing policies
Those receiving benefits should stay updated by regularly checking official DWP updates and monitoring trusted news sources.
How Do These Changes Affect People on Universal Credit and Other Benefits?
The absence of a new cost of living payment means that claimants of Universal Credit, Income Support, and related benefits will not receive any additional lump-sum support this autumn.
Standard benefit payments continue as scheduled, and any changes made to benefit amounts earlier in the year remain in effect.
In April 2025, many benefits were increased in line with inflation under the government’s annual uprating policy. However, this adjustment is separate from cost of living payments and does not involve one-off sums.
Universal Credit claimants must continue to manage within their regular monthly payments unless they are eligible for emergency local support or budgeting loans.
It is important to note that deductions, such as advance repayments or sanctions, could further reduce payment amounts.
Table: Universal Credit Rates from April 2025 (Standard Allowance)
| Claimant Type | Monthly Amount |
| Single under 25 | £311.68 |
| Single 25 or over | £393.45 |
| Couple both under 25 | £489.23 |
| Couple one or both 25 or over | £617.60 |
These figures reflect the most recent government update and provide a baseline for what claimants can expect monthly.
What Can Pensioners and Disabled Individuals Expect This Season?
Although there is no new cost of living payment, pensioners and disabled individuals remain eligible for several annual support measures.
Pensioners in receipt of the State Pension automatically qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. Depending on age and circumstances, the amount can range between £250 and £600. In many cases, this includes a top-up for those eligible for Pension Credit.
Disabled individuals may still receive benefits like PIP or Attendance Allowance, which are not income-tested. They may also receive extra premiums if claiming income-related benefits. Other support includes:
- Free NHS prescriptions
- Council tax discounts or exemptions
- Mobility support via Motability or mobility component of PIP
- Access to home adaptations through local authority funding
Both groups are also more likely to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, and in some areas, they receive priority access to local authority support services or heating schemes.
Conclusion
To summarise, there is no cost of living payment in October 2025. The last confirmed support payment was issued in February 2024.
While this may be disappointing for many relying on extra financial help, there are still other government schemes available this season.
It’s vital for individuals to explore alternative support options and keep up to date with future government announcements, particularly in the run-up to winter.
FAQs
Has the DWP released any new payments since February 2024?
No, the February 2024 payment was the final instalment of the 2023–24 support package. No further payments have been announced for 2025.
Is Universal Credit increasing in late 2025?
Universal Credit rates were adjusted in April 2025 in line with inflation, but no new increases have been confirmed for October 2025.
Will there be an emergency payment during the winter months?
At present, no emergency payments have been announced. However, announcements may still come before winter if economic conditions worsen.
Are there any cost of living payments for people with disabilities?
There is no new disability cost of living payment as of October 2025. The last one was paid in mid-2023.
How can I get support with my energy bills this winter?
You may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount or help from your energy supplier. Contact them directly or visit GOV.UK for details.
Are there benefits for pensioners not claiming Pension Credit?
Yes, such as the Winter Fuel Payment and potentially the Warm Home Discount. However, Pension Credit unlocks more support, so it’s worth applying.
Where can I find updates on future DWP announcements?
Visit GOV.UK, follow the DWP’s official channels, or sign up for email alerts related to benefits and support payments.
