Introduction: The UK government has given a surprising but welcome news to millions of people receiving Universal Credit payment in 2025 – they are going to get an additional payment of £628. This assistance is being given to families and individuals who are already facing difficulties amid the current inflation and economic pressure.
What is Universal Credit and this £628 payment?
Universal Credit is a monthly payment given by the government to those who are living on low income or are completely unemployed. It is paid by combining housing assistance, child allowance, care costs, and other benefits.
Now in 2025, the government has announced to add an “extra top-up payment” of £628 to it. This will go to Universal Credit claimants who meet certain criteria – particularly those who are most financially stressed.
Why is this £628 payment being given?
The government’s aim behind this special payment is to:
- Help tackle inflation
- Provide financial relief to those on low incomes
- Strengthen the UK’s social security system
- Maintain people’s purchasing power
- This amount is being given as temporary relief due to the sharp rise in the cost of living in 2025.
Who is eligible for this £628 payment?
You’re likely to get this one-off top-up if you fall into the following categories:
Eligibility criteria:
- You’re receiving Universal Credit (basic or advanced claim)
- Your monthly household income is below a certain threshold
- You’ve claimed or are claiming Universal Credit between January 2025 and March 2025
- You have a child or disabled person you care for
- You’re actively looking for a job (Jobseeker status)
- Note: this payment won’t come automatically. In some cases you’ll need to claim it.
When will you get this payment?
- The Government has said this payment will be credited to all eligible claimants’ accounts in June 2025.
- Payment window: 10 June 2025 to 30 June 2025
- Automatic transfer: for those with confirmed eligibility
- As a direct bank deposit
How to claim?
If you believe you are eligible for this payment, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Login to the DWP portal
- Step 2: Go to the “Payments and Extra Support” section
- Here you will see the option “£628 Top-Up Support”.
- Step 3: Confirm eligibility
- You may be asked for some documents, such as:
- Proof of residence
- Income statement (payslips or P60)
- Proof of child/caring responsibility
- Step 4: Fill in the application form
- Complete the application and press the ‘Submit’ button.
- Step 5: Receive confirmation from DWP
- You will be notified via email or text within 2 weeks if your application has been accepted.
What if you are not eligible?
If you can’t get this payment, you can apply for other DWP schemes:
- Cost of Living Payments
- Housing Benefit Support
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Council Tax Reduction
- You can get help from your local Jobcentre Plus or read guidance online.
What is this £628 amount?
This is not a normal Universal Credit payment, but an Extra Support Grant launched by the DWP in 2025.
It aims to:
- Help low-income families financially
- Provide extra support to cope with inflation
- Provide Targeted Relief to disadvantaged groups
- This amount is being given on a one-off basis – that is, it is not a regular monthly payment.
Who is eligible?
It’s important to know that not everyone claiming Universal Credit will be eligible for this payment. Eligibility is determined on a few key grounds.
Key eligibility criteria:
- You must be a current beneficiary of Universal Credit.
- Your monthly income is less than £1,200 (for a single person)
- If you have a child or dependent, there is an additional preference.
- You must be on Universal Credit until March 2025 or have filed a new claim.
- If you have recently lost your job, and are jobseeking.
- Your claim must be fraud free and active.
How to claim?
Although some people will receive this amount automatically, most people will need to apply for it by logging into the DWP portal.
Step-by-step guide:
Go to the gov.uk website and login with your Universal Credit ID.
Search for the “Extra Support Payments” or “£628 Top-Up” option.
Fill in the application form – you may be asked for a few documents:
- Address proof
- Bank account details
- Income proof
- Children or dependents details
- Submit the form and receive a confirmation.
- You will be notified of the payment by email or SMS.
What to do if you don’t Universal Credit receive a payment?
If you applied, but haven’t received a payment:
- Check your DWP Universal Credit journal – sometimes some notifications are missed.
- Call the DWP Helpline – 0800 328 5644
- Update your claim status – if your income or family situation has changed.
- Ask for Mandatory Reconsideration – if you disagree with the decision.
How useful can this £628 amount be?
For many families, this amount can mean a lot:
- Partial rent compensation
- Spending on daily needs
- Help pay pending bills or debts
- Buying children’s school fees or stationery
This payment is a one-off but used at the right time can stabilise your monthly budget.
Pro Tips
- Check your Universal Credit journal regularly.
- If you get the promised reply, be asked to call the office number in the email or the number in the message.
- You may not know about it, but sharing is caring.
Keep your bank details updated on the DWP portal so that there is no delay in payment.
Conclusion
This £628 Universal Credit top-up payment being given in 2025 is a big relief for those who are under the pressure of ever-increasing inflation. If you are eligible, then do claim it. It can help you reduce the financial stress to some extent.This special Universal Credit support amount of £628 to be received in 2025 is like a sigh of relief for millions of people. If you are eligible, then do not miss this opportunity at all.
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