A sigh of relief amid inflation in the UK: £288 Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment coming in April 2025 In today’s time, when the prices of everyday necessities are skyrocketing—be it grocery, electricity bill or fuel prices—it is having a deep impact on the pockets of common people. Especially for those who are already dependent on limited income, the blow of this inflation becomes even bigger. At such a time, the UK government has once again extended a helping hand. The Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment of £288 coming in April 2025 is coming as a much-needed relief for millions of people. Let’s know the complete information related to this payment—who is eligible, when will the payment come, and apart from this, what other assistance is the government providing.
What is this payment of £288?
This is a one-off payment that is part of the Cost of Living Support Package of 2025 by the government. Its main purpose is to provide financial support to people who already rely on social benefits or have very low incomes. This payment is the second instalment of support, following last year’s £308, and is one of three instalments in 2025.
Who is eligible for this payment?
- The government has set some clear criteria for this. If you meet all of these conditions, you will automatically receive this payment:
- Annual income: Your household annual income must be less than £16,000.
- Benefit status: You must be receiving at least one of the following government benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Residence status: You must be a permanent resident of the UK.
When and how will you get the payment?
- If you are eligible, you will receive this payment in your bank account in April 2025. The payment transaction will show this name:
- By DWP: “DWP COL”
- By HMRC: “HMRC COL”
- New announcements and improvements in 2025
- This year is not just about one-off payments. The government has made a number of changes to make Universal Credit and other benefits more effective
- Key changes: Increase in the amount of Universal Credit: The amount you receive each month has been increased in line with inflation.
- Extra support for the disabled: Disabled people will receive an extra payment of £150.
- Support for pensioners: They will receive an extra payment of £300.
- Winter fuel support: Pensioners will receive extra heating support in the winter.
Universal Credit and the Government Budget
- The Government has made some important policy changes to make support easier and more accessible:
- Deductions relief: The maximum deduction that can be made from Universal Credit has been reduced from 25% to 15%.
- Increase in the Carers Allowance limit: Carers can now earn up to £181 per week, up from £151 previously.
- Extension of the Household Support Fund: This scheme will now continue until March 2026.
- Increase in maternity, paternity and six pay: New parents and sick people will receive more support in 2025-2026.
Conclusion:
As the cost of living continues to rise across the UK, the £288 Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment offers much-needed relief to millions of struggling households. For many, this support will help cover essential expenses like groceries, bills, and daily necessities—providing a small but significant cushion during financially challenging times.With this payment arriving automatically for eligible claimants, there’s no need to apply just ensure your benefit information is up to date. And while this payment alone may not solve long-term financial concerns, it reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to support low-income individuals and families.Stay informed through official DWP and HMRC updates to make the most of all available support in 2025. Every bit helps, and this £288 payment is a timely reminder that help is still on the way.
FAQs
Q.1 What if I’m receiving Universal Credit but don’t get the payment?
A. Double-check your benefit records and ensure your details are up to date. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received the payment, contact DWP or HMRC for support.
Q.2 Will this payment affect my other benefits?
A. The £288 payment is non-taxable and will not affect your existing benefit entitlement.
Q.3 What is the £288 Cost of Living Payment?
A. It’s a one-off payment provided by the UK government to support low-income households, especially Universal Credit claimants, in coping with rising living costs.
Q.4 Do I need to apply for the £288 payment?
A. No. The payment will be made automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria. No separate application is needed.
Q.5 When will the £288 payment be made?
A. Payments are scheduled for April 2025. You’ll receive it in your bank account with a reference like “DWP COL” or “HMRC COL”.
