As UK households brace for another tough winter, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a new Cost of Living Payment arriving in October 2025. With rising energy bills and stubborn inflation putting pressure on family budgets, this payment aims to offer timely help for millions of low-income households across the country.
Below is a detailed look at what this payment includes, who can claim it, key dates, and other seasonal support to look out for.
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DWP Cost of Living Payment
The DWP has announced that eligible households will see the Cost of Living Payment land in their bank accounts between Monday, October 7, and Friday, October 18, 2025. There’s no need to apply; the payment will be processed automatically.
For those who do not see the payment by October 21, 2025, DWP recommends waiting five working days before reporting the missing payment to them.
Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Period | October 7 – October 18, 2025 |
| Automatic Payment | Yes – direct deposit, no application required |
| Eligibility | Receiving at least one means-tested benefit during qualifying dates |
| Bank Statement Reference | “DWP COL” followed by National Insurance number |
| Other Seasonal Supports | Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, Warm Home Discount |
| Beware of Scams | DWP never asks for personal details by text/email |
Eligibility Criteria
This payment is designed to support individuals on low incomes who are already receiving certain means-tested benefits. To qualify, claimants must have been entitled to at least one of the following during a specific eligibility window (dates yet to be announced):
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (administered by HMRC)
Important clarifications:
- Those on contribution-based JSA or ESA alone will not qualify.
- There’s no separate application; DWP will use existing benefit records to assess eligibility.
How Will It Appear in Your Bank Account?
The payment will be clearly labeled in bank statements as: “DWP COL” followed by your National Insurance number
This unique reference makes it easy to identify, helping you separate it from other benefit payments or grants.
Stay Alert
With every Cost of Living Payment, fraudsters become active, trying to deceive claimants through fake emails, texts, or phone calls. They often ask for:
- Personal banking details
- National Insurance numbers
- Login credentials
Part of a Broader Seasonal Support Package
The October Cost of Living Payment is just one part of the government’s seasonal safety net for households. Here’s what else is coming this autumn and winter:
| Support Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | Helps pension-age households with heating expenses |
| Cold Weather Payment | Extra help when the temperature drops sharply |
| Warm Home Discount | Direct discount applied to electricity bills |
Each of these has separate eligibility rules, but together, they are designed to help families manage the higher costs that come with colder months.
Final Thoughts
The October 2025 Cost of Living Payment is a vital lifeline for millions of households facing rising heating costs and other daily expenses. If you’re eligible, the money will come straight into your account without any extra effort.
Beyond this, remember to explore other help like the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount. And always stay alert for scams – your safety is just as important as your financial support. For the latest updates, payment status, or to report missing payments, visit the official GOV.UK Cost of Living Payments page.
