As of April 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that no further “one-off” Cost of Living Payments—similar to the £900, £300, and £150 installments seen between 2022 and 2024—will be issued for the 2025/26 financial year. Instead, the UK government has shifted its focus toward the Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been extended from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with an additional £1 billion in funding. This means that instead of receiving an automatic payment from the DWP, eligible households must now apply through their local council for discretionary grants, vouchers, or direct cash payments to help with food, energy, and water bills. Furthermore, significant changes to the Winter Fuel Payment mean that only pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the £200–£300 support in the winter of 2025/26.
The 2025/26 Household Support Fund Extension
The Household Support Fund remains the primary vehicle for cost-of-living assistance throughout 2025 and into early 2026. This fund is distributed to local authorities across England, who then determine their own eligibility criteria and payment amounts.
Eligibility: Targeted at vulnerable households, particularly those with children, pensioners, and people with disabilities.
Funding Period: April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Average Support: While amounts vary by council, many recipients have received vouchers or payments averaging £200.
Application Method: Most councils require an online application via their official website, though some reach out to residents automatically based on benefit records.
Because this is a discretionary fund, a “postcode lottery” exists; a resident in Birmingham may receive a different level of support than someone in Leeds. It is essential to check your specific local council’s “Cost of Living” or “Household Support” page to see what is available in your area for the current quarter.
Changes to the Winter Fuel Payment
In a major policy shift for 2025, the Winter Fuel Payment is no longer universal for all pensioners. This change aims to target support toward those in the greatest financial need.
New Eligibility Criteria
To receive the Winter Fuel Payment in the 2025/26 season, you must have been born before September 22, 1959, and be in receipt of a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you only receive the State Pension, you are no longer automatically eligible for this payment, which is typically worth between £200 and £300.
The Pension Credit Push
Due to these changes, the government has launched a massive campaign to increase the uptake of Pension Credit. An estimated 800,000 eligible pensioners currently do not claim this benefit, which acts as a “passport” to the Winter Fuel Payment, as well as help with Council Tax and free TV licenses for those over 75.
Universal Credit and Benefit Uprating 2025
While the one-off lump sums have ceased, the government has implemented a 1.7% uprating for most DWP benefits and Tax Credits starting in April 2025. This increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from September 2024.
Universal Credit: Standard allowances for single people and couples have seen a modest rise to help track inflation.
Disability Benefits: PIP (Personal Independence Payment), DLA (Disability Living Allowance), and Attendance Allowance have all been uprated.
State Pension: Under the “Triple Lock” guarantee, the State Pension increased by a more significant 4.1% in April 2025, following strong wage growth figures.
For a single person over 25 on Universal Credit, the monthly standard allowance has risen from £393.45 to approximately £400.14. While this does not replace the large cost-of-living installments, it provides a permanent, albeit smaller, increase to monthly income.
Local Council Support and Vouchers
Beyond the national HSF, many local councils have established “Crisis and Resilience Funds” to provide immediate help. These are often one-off interventions for residents facing extreme hardship, such as a broken boiler or an empty food cupboard.
Energy and Water Bills
Many councils partner with local charities and energy companies to provide “Fuel Vouchers.” These are typically worth £30 to £50 and can be used to top up prepayment meters. For those on credit meters, councils may offer direct payments to energy suppliers to reduce arrears.
Food Support
In 2025, many authorities have moved away from cash for food, preferring to issue supermarket vouchers (e.g., Aldi, Tesco, Asda) or referrals to local food banks. Some innovative councils have also funded “Social Supermarkets,” where residents can buy high-quality surplus food at a fraction of retail prices.
Practical Information and Planning
Navigating the 2025 cost-of-living landscape requires a proactive approach, as automatic payments are now the exception rather than the rule.
Check Your Council: Go to gov.uk/find-local-council to identify your local authority and search for “Household Support Fund.”
Pension Credit Deadline: To ensure you receive the Winter Fuel Payment for late 2025, you must ensure your Pension Credit claim is active or backdated to the qualifying week in September.
Warm Home Discount: The £150 discount on electricity bills remains available for the 2025/26 winter. Most eligible households receive this automatically between October and March.
Debt Advice: If you are struggling with costs, services like StepChange or Citizens Advice provide free, confidential help and can often assist with applications for local grants.
Seasonal Support: Winter 2025/26
The winter months represent the period of highest demand for support. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment for those on Pension Credit, the Cold Weather Payment scheme remains active.
If the temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, you will receive a £25 payment automatically. This applies to those on specific low-income benefits and is triggered between November 1 and March 31. Unlike the HSF, this does not require an application.
FAQs
Is there a DWP cost of living payment in 2025?
No, there are no automatic DWP cost of living payments scheduled for 2025. Support is now delivered through the local Household Support Fund.
How much is the Household Support Fund in 2025?
Amounts vary by council, but many eligible households can expect grants or vouchers worth around £200 per application.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025?
Only pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits are eligible. It is no longer a universal payment for all retirees.
Do I need to apply for the Household Support Fund?
Yes, in most cases you must apply through your local council’s website, providing evidence of your income and essential outgoings.
Will Universal Credit go up in 2025?
Yes, Universal Credit and most other benefits increased by 1.7% in April 2025 to stay in line with inflation.
Can I get help with my energy bills in 2025?
Yes, you may be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount or a grant from your local council’s Household Support Fund.
What is the Pension Credit threshold in 2025?
While it depends on your circumstances, you generally qualify if your weekly income is below £218.15 (single) or £332.95 (couple).
Is the £150 disability cost of living payment returning?
No, there is no specific disability cost of living payment planned for 2025. Disabled residents are encouraged to apply for the HSF.
How many times can I apply for council help?
Most councils allow one or two applications per six-month funding period, depending on your level of hardship.
Are there scammers offering cost of living payments?
Yes. The DWP warns that they will never ask for your bank details via text. If you receive a text asking you to “apply” for a DWP payment, it is a scam.
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