£299 Cost of Living Support in April 2025 – What We Know So Far

Cost of Living Payment Return in April 2025: Millions of families across the UK were helped by the £299 Cost of Living Payment in early 2024. But as we look to April 2025, there are many wondering the same thing: Will the government reintroduce the £299 Cost of Living Payment in 2025?

With living expenses remaining expensive and inflation taking its toll on families throughout the UK, this is not only a political slogan — it’s a real concern for individuals struggling to pay bills, purchase groceries, and cover surprise expenses. In this in-depth guide, we outline what we currently know, delve into official news, and reveal to you other means of obtaining financial assistance this year.

Cost of Living Payment Return in April 2025

Topic	Details
Last £299 Payment	Paid between February 6–22, 2024
Payment Eligibility	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based JSA, ESA, Tax Credits
Official Announcement	No confirmation for April 2025 payment yet
Household Support Fund	Extended to March 2026; offers help through councils
Benefits Uplift	1.7% for most benefits; 4.1% for State Pension in April 2025
Official Source	gov.uk – Cost of Living Payments

Though the £299 Cost of Living Payment isn’t certain for April 2025, don’t think assistance has disappeared. Local councils, charities, and central government continue to provide essential support — if you can find out where. As costs increase, being proactive has never been more critical. Use aids, take advantage of assistance offered, and make preparations to secure your finances.

Remember: You are not alone. Help is available — and it’s more accessible than you might think.

What Was the £299 Cost of Living Payment?

The £299 Cost of Living Payment was the third and final part of a more extensive £900 support package introduced by the UK government throughout 2023–2024. The payments were intended to soften the impact of inflation, energy price increases, and food price rises on millions of low-income families. The three payments were:

£301 (Spring 2023)
£300 (Autumn 2023)
£299 (February 2024)

All of these payments were non-taxable, did not impact ongoing benefits, and were paid directly into eligible claimants’ bank accounts. No application was necessary — the payments were made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HMRC, based on the nature of benefit that a household was receiving.

The assistance was aimed specifically at individuals who were in receipt of means-tested benefits, including:

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

Will the £299 Cost of Living Payment Return in April 2025?

At the moment, there is no official word that the UK government will make another £299 payment in April 2025. But that doesn’t necessarily mean all hope is lost. Here are three key areas to monitor:

1. General Election 2025 and Manifestos

The next UK general election, due by January 2025, may have a crucial role to play in determining whether such payments come back. Political parties can put cost-of-living support in their manifestos to gain the votes of voters, particularly since economic struggle is a number one voter concern.

Public opinion, particularly from anti-poverty activists and think tanks, can also have an effect on future policy. If inflation rises again or energy prices increase unexpectedly, the government might be compelled to act with additional financial support.

2. The Extended Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is the most significant support system that is running currently. Originally launched in 2021 and now running until March 2026, the fund allows local councils to give rapid assistance — food vouchers, paying utility bills, providing clothing support, and emergency cash — to those needing support.

Apply for assistance directly with your local council:

Use this tool: Find your local council

This fund is not exclusively for benefit claimants. If you’re employed but finding yourself short due to low wages, high rents, or unforeseen spending, you could still be eligible.

3. April 2025 Benefits and Pension Increases

Although a lump sum hasn’t been announced, the government is increasing benefits from April 2025. Here’s how things will be different:

Most DWP benefits, including Universal Credit, will increase by 1.7%.
The State Pension will increase by 4.1%, following the triple-lock formula (based on the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%).

These increases are designed to reflect the previous year’s inflation data (September 2024 CPI) and wage growth.

Alternative Support Available in April 2025

If you’re worried about the lack of a £299 payment, don’t panic — other support is available. Many of these schemes are quietly helping thousands every day:

Local Council Assistance

Your council may provide:
Supermarket vouchers
Grants towards heating bills
School uniforms and white goods
Make an application through your council’s welfare aid program.

Winter Fuel Payments & Cold Weather Payments

If you were born before 25 September 1957, you will qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment between £250 to £600 depending on your circumstances.
Cold Weather Payments are £25 weekly for very cold weather (less than 0°C for 7 consecutive days).

Energy Bill Support Through the Price Cap

Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap still safeguards consumers from extortionate prices. The April 2025 cap should reduce bills marginally, yet prices are still above pre-pandemic levels.
Always check if you can switch to another supplier or claim a hardship fund from your existing supplier.

Budgeting Advances for Universal Credit Claimants

If you’re on Universal Credit, you can ask for a Budgeting Advance to pay for unexpected expenses such as a faulty appliance or sudden car repair.
Repayments are made over time and taken from your future UC payments.

How to Get Ready Financially If the £299 Payment Doesn’t Come Back

While you’re waiting for more news, the best thing you can do is get financially ready. Here’s how:

1. Check Your Full Benefit Entitlement
It’s staggering how many are missing out because they simply don’t know that it is there. Try using a government-backed calculator to discover what you can claim

2. Turn To Emergency Financial Aid

A range of charities and services provide advice, practical support, and also one-off grants. Consider calling:

Citizens Advice – free legal, money, and benefits advice.
StepChange – help with debts and budgeting.
Turn2us – assists to link individuals up with charitable grants.

3. Use Tools to Track and Save Costs

Make use of an electronic budget planner such as MoneyHelper’s free resource
Assess your subscriptions, bills, and daily activities and reduce expenses without reducing standard of living.

What Are Experts Saying?

Top experts have indicated the age of across-the-board cost-of-living payments is gone, to be replaced with a more localized, selective support. The Independent says that the government is keeping a close eye on energy prices and inflation to decide whether or not future emergency payments are needed.

The danger is that an increase in council tax, increasing housing costs, and flat salaries could put poor families in vulnerable circumstances unless new assistance is released. Political commentators anticipate a renewed package of help to be made available before the general election as a means to regain voter support.