Inflation has surged in the UK in recent years, making it more costly for normal people to afford everyday essentials such as food bills, utility bills (e.g. electricity), rent and travel costs. The effect has been most significant for families and low-income people, including the elderly receiving pensions, the working class and dependent on government support.
The aim of this scheme is to provide financial relief to the needy people so that they can meet their essential expenses even in this era of inflation. In view of these problems, the government started a financial assistance scheme called “Living Cost Payment”.
The second Cost of Living Payment of £300 – what is it and who can take it?
As of April 2025, the government has not announced any new £300 payment for this month. But before this, this money was distributed in three installments under a £900 assistance scheme.
Overview Of the £300 Payment
Payment Component Details
Third Payment £299 (Expected by Spring 2025)
Payment Amount £300 (second installment out of £900 total)
First payment £301 (Issued between 25 April and -17 May 2024)
Second Payment £300 (Issued between 25 April and 17 May 2024)
Report Missing Payment From 20 April 2025 onwards
Who were eligible for this?
If you were receiving one of the following benefits at a particular time, you were eligible for this payment:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Important dates:
If you applied for or were receiving these benefits between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, you were entitled to a second instalment of £300.
If you haven’t received this payment yet, you can complain about it by visiting the government website from April 2025.
Extra help for those on disability benefits
If you’re receiving any disability benefits, such as:

- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- you could get an extra £150 in support.
Note: if someone receives benefits from both the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and the Ministry of Defense, this payment will be made by the DWP alone.
More ways to get help
If you’re still struggling financially, don’t worry. There’s more help available from the Government and local councils:
- Household Support Fund – help with food, utilities and other essential expenses.
- Council Payment Schemes – one-off financial help, such as up to £140 towards electricity bills.
- Discretionary Housing Payment – If you are finding it hard to pay your rent, this help can help.
Conclusion
Inflation is affecting everyone, but the government has many schemes in place to help those in need get some relief. If you haven’t received your £300 payment yet, make sure to check with the methods above. Also, keep checking your local council website or contact organizations like Citizens Advice for other schemes you can avail of.
FAQs
Q1: What is the £300 Second Cost of Living Payment?
The £300 Second Cost of Living Payment is part of the UK government’s financial support package to help low-income households manage rising expenses. It’s the second installment in a series of cost-of-living payments issued to eligible benefit recipients.
Q2: What should I do if I didn’t receive the payment?
If you believe you’re eligible and didn’t receive the £300 payment, you can contact DWP or HMRC for assistance. There may also be a short claim period announced on gov.uk.
Q3: When will the £300 payment be deposited?
The exact deposit dates vary slightly depending on your benefit provider, but most payments are scheduled to be issued between mid and late April 2025. You should check with DWP or HMRC for your specific timeline.
Q4: Do I need to apply for this payment?
No, the payment is automatic for those who meet the eligibility criteria during the qualifying dates. There’s no need to apply unless you think you missed it.
Q5: How will the £300 payment appear on my bank statement?
If you receive the payment via DWP, it may appear as “DWP COL”. If it comes through HMRC, it could show as “HMRC COLS”.