DWP July 2025 cost of living payments: what you need to know
In the remaining couple of years, residents dwelling in the United Kingdom have been provided with “price of living bills” by way of the government a number of instances with a view to assist them in managing inflation, software payments and other necessary expenses. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued the assistance between 2022 and 2024 to aid those families most impacted.
But this year, there is a large change to the scheme from 2025. This year, there’s no longer the same simple DWP payment scheme in July 2025, but that doesn’t mean the government has completely stopped the support. The delivery of the help has changed – and it’s being directed at local councils and individuals on specific benefits.
Overview Table: July 2025 DWP Cost of Living Support Options
Support Type | Details |
DWP Direct Payment (Summer) | Possible £200–£300 automatic payment for certain benefit claimants |
Household Support Fund (HSF) | Local council-run scheme, available April 2025–March 2026 |
Eligibility for HSF | Based on local criteria; not limited to benefit recipients |
Application Process | Depends on your local council; some require direct application |
Delivery Method | Vouchers, cash payments, food or utility support via council services |
Pensioner/Carer Backdated Support | Potential lump sums for low-income groups, particularly pensioners/carers |
DWP’s old Cost of Living Payment scheme ends

The bigger direct payments that were being made between 2022 and 2024, including lump sums of £250 or £300, have now officially ended. This implies that there will be no such large payments across the country this time in July 2025.
But this does not imply that the government is offering no assistance any longer. Now the channel of assistance has altered – now it is being made available at a more local and focused level.
Household Support Fund (HSF): The primary source of assistance in July 2025
This year the authorities has topped up the Household Support Fund (HSF) and the scheme will now run **until *31 March 2026*. The authorities has furnished £742 million of funding to councils in England that allows you to support suffering families in their location in a number approaches.
Key things to know:
- Each council makes its decision on who can get this assistance and how to claim.
- The assistance could be in the form of food vouchers, energy bill discounts, council tax reduction or straight cash aid.
- Doncaster is one of the councils that already stated that food aid will be provided to children’s families in July 2025.
- You don’t need to be getting any government benefits. If you’re a low-income earner or in financial difficulty, you can still be covered.
- To discover what is available in your area, look on your local council website or go to gov.uk/find-local-council.
Other potential DWP payments and alterations

Even though the great big scheme has closed, some additional payments remain available in July and August 2025:
- Individuals on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)/Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), tax credits or Housing Benefit could get a “summer payment” of £200 to £300. This is typically paid automatically, and no claim needs to be made.
- Individuals could also get extra support – like pensioners, carers or those who have been owed a past benefit or are in line for backdated payments.
- Benefit rates have risen in April 2025, offering relief to individuals on Universal Credit and some other benefits.
- Moreover, the DWP is ongoing with the transition of old benefits to Universal Credit, which should be finalized by January 2026.
- If you are receiving any DWP benefits, it is vital to keep your bank details and contact information current so that you don’t get stopped or miss a payment.
Conclusion
In July 2025 you will no longer get the big, direct DWP Cost of Living Payment you previously did, but aid hasn’t dried up altogether. The government is now providing assistance at a local level to those who need it and this is felt to be more personal and effective.
If you or your family are in financial trouble, make sure you take a look at your local council’s website – it will tell you what assistance you’re entitled to and how to claim it.
FAQs
1. Is there a DWP Cost of Living Payment in July 2025?
No, the direct lump sum DWP payments from 2022–2024 have ended. Assistance in 2025 is now provided locally through councils via the Household Support Fund.
2. What is replacing the DWP’s Cost of Living Payment?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) now offers local aid like food vouchers, bill support, or cash. Councils decide eligibility and distribution, continuing until March 31, 2026.
3. Can I still get support even if I don’t claim benefits?
Yes, you may still be eligible through your local council if you’re on a low income or facing hardship. Check your council’s website for details and application steps.