In 2025, when inflation is skyrocketing, energy bills are constantly increasing and the pocket of the common man is getting lighter day by day, the Cost of Living Payment of £299 given by the UK government came out as a big relief for the needy families. This payment was especially for those who are already taking advantage of some means-tested benefit run by the government.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the complete information of this payment, eligibility criteria, currently available assistance schemes and the possibilities of “Festival Relief Payment”. Along with this, we will also tell you from which government sources financial help can be obtained if you are eligible.
Why was there cost-of-living payment?
Three-installment assistance scheme that was initiated by the UK government was intended to assist needy and low-income families to survive in the face of increasing inflation rates and the energy emergency starting in 2022. The final instalment of the scheme was paid in February 2025 in the form of an amount of £299, which was automatically sent to the accounts of eligible beneficiaries, meaning no application was required.
Who were eligible for this payment?
Only those people were eligible for this £299 Cost of Living Payment who received one of the following benefits during the eligibility period:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income conditional Jobseeker Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) that is income based
Those who were receiving these benefits received this payment automatically.
Summary of support schemes at a glance
| Payment / Scheme | Beneficiary | Benefit Amount | Status for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £299 Cost of Living Payment | Means-tested benefit Recipient | £299 | Released in February 2025, no further instalments |
| Festival Relief (estimated) | Low income / beneficiary households | Not determined | No official announcement |
| Household Support Fund | Individuals in financial crisis | Food, electricity, rent | Available from local council |
| Winter Fuel Payments | Pensioners | £100–£300 | Ongoing |
| Warm Home Discount | Pension Credit Beneficiary | Energy bill discount | Available in winter |
| Energy Price Guarantee | All energy consumers | Per unit rate cap | Applicable |
| Benefit increase (April 2025) | Universal and Pension Credit holders | 6.7% increase | Applicable |
Is the “Festival Relief” scheme coming?
The “Festival Relief Payment” is being discussed by the media and some public representatives. This is a proposed payment that can provide support to vulnerable groups to cover special expenses during the festive period.
But no official announcement has been made by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) about this scheme yet. That is, at the moment it is just a preamble and hope, not a reality.
How about those who had an impression that they should be able to do it?
Look at your bank account on February 2025 to determine whether you got the sum of 299.
Otherwise, take a closer look at the eligibility by checking the gov.uk site or calling the local council.
You can ask the advice of the Citizens Advice bureau or a local charity-advice is given at no cost and is treated as confidential.
What support schemes are currently running?
- Household Support Fund
Administered by the local council. - Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners automatically receive a £100–£300 payment. - Energy Price Guarantee
Energy rates have been capped to keep electricity and gas bills predictable. - Benefits increase
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and similar benefits have been increased by 6.7% from April 2025 to reduce the impact of inflation.
How to make sure you don’t miss any help?
- Use the gov.uk Benefit Checker.
- Ask your local council about the Household Support Fund.
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice or Community Groups.
Some useful tips:
Keep your details up to date:
It’s important to keep your bank account and personal details up to date on government services so there’s no interruption to payments.
Keep an eye on government websites:
Continue to receive information by relying on to be trusted sources like gov.uk and the beeb.
Use budgeting tools:
Platforms such as the Money Advice Service will help track spending and income.
Get involved in the local community:
Neighbourhood committees and online groups may be useful.
Conclusion
Even though the £299 payment has been released by the government as the final support instalment for 2025, there are many other schemes still running which are still available to help people.
FAQs
Q1. What is the £299 Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
A: The £299 payment is the final installment of a three-part cost-of-living support package issued by the UK government to help low-income households manage rising living expenses. It was automatically paid in February 2025.
Q2. Do I need to apply to receive the £299 payment?
A: No, the payment was made automatically to eligible recipients. No application was required.
Q3. When was the £299 payment issued?
A: It was issued in February 2025 to qualifying households across the UK.
Q4. Is there another cost of living payment coming after this?
A: As of now, no further cost-of-living payments have been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Q5. What is the Festival Relief Payment mentioned in some news?
A: It is a proposed one-off payment to support households during festive seasons. However, there is no official confirmation or scheme from the DWP for 2025.
