Introduction
With inflation still biting into household budgets and energy prices hovering above pre-pandemic levels, many UK families are feeling the squeeze. In response, the UK government is rolling out a £90 cost-of-living support payment to eligible households across the country this June 2025. Unlike previous schemes requiring complex applications, this initiative is designed to be simple, fast, and automatic—provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
This article serves as your ultimate guide to the £90 payment: who qualifies, how it will be paid, what you need to do (if anything), how this fits into broader government assistance plans, and frequently asked questions. If you’re a low-income earner, pensioner, or Universal Credit claimant, this £90 boost could be coming your way—and we’ll help you understand how to make sure it lands in your account.
Section 1: What Is the £90 June 2025 Payment?
The £90 payment is part of the Cost of Living Support Package 2025 introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is a one-time, tax-free payment issued directly to households receiving specific means-tested or support-related benefits.
Purpose of the Payment
- Offset rising household bills, including utilities and food
- Provide a mid-year financial buffer for vulnerable families
- Supplement existing welfare payments with an automatic top-up
It follows a string of earlier payments in 2022–2024 that targeted the same groups but with varying amounts.
Section 2: Quick Facts About the £90 Payment
Category | Details |
---|---|
Payment Amount | £90 (one-off) |
Date Issued | Throughout June 2025 |
Payment Method | Direct deposit (same account as benefits) |
Is It Taxable? | No |
Affects Other Benefits? | No |
Application Needed? | No – automatic for eligible recipients |

Section 3: Who Is Eligible for the £90 Payment?
The £90 payment is means-tested, which means you must be receiving a qualifying benefit as of a specific “qualifying date”—likely in May 2025.
Eligible Benefits Include:
Benefit Type | Eligible? |
---|---|
Universal Credit | ✅ Yes |
Pension Credit | ✅ Yes |
Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | ✅ Yes |
Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | ✅ Yes |
Income Support | ✅ Yes |
Working Tax Credit | ✅ Yes |
Child Tax Credit (if not on UC) | ✅ Yes |
Not Eligible If:
- You only receive contributory ESA or JSA
- You only receive Housing Benefit (unless combined with another qualifying benefit)
- You are not claiming any benefits currently
Note: You must have been receiving the benefit on or before the qualifying date, which is expected to be mid-May 2025.
Section 4: How Will the £90 Be Paid?
You do not need to apply separately. The DWP and HMRC (for Tax Credit recipients) will identify eligible individuals based on their existing benefit records.
Steps in the Payment Process:
- Eligibility determined as of the qualifying date
- Payment issued automatically in June 2025
- Funds appear in the same account as your regular benefit payments
- The transaction will be labeled as something like “DWP COL” or “HMRC C-L Payment”
Payments may be staggered over a 2–3 week period to prevent system overload.
Section 5: What Should You Do to Ensure You Get It?
Although the process is automatic, you should still:
- Update your personal information on your Universal Credit account or myGov portal
- Ensure your bank account is valid and accessible
- Report any recent changes in household status, address, or income
- Check your payment history regularly
If your benefit was recently approved, confirm with DWP whether you’re inside the eligibility window.

Section 6: Real-Life Examples – Who Will Receive the £90?
Example 1: Elderly Pensioner
- Lives alone
- On Pension Credit
- Automatically qualifies and will receive £90 mid-June
Example 2: Single Parent with Two Kids
- On Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit
- Eligible, but will receive only one £90 payment
Example 3: Young Adult on ESA
- Receiving Income-Related ESA
- Meets the eligibility cut-off and will receive payment by end of June
Section 7: When Will You Get the £90 Payment?
Expected Payment Schedule:
Group | Payment Window |
---|---|
Universal Credit recipients | June 10–17, 2025 |
Pension Credit recipients | June 14–20, 2025 |
Tax Credit recipients | June 17–24, 2025 |
Income Support / ESA / JSA | June 20–28, 2025 |
The DWP will likely publish an official schedule confirming the exact dates closer to mid-June.
Section 8: Is the £90 Payment Enough?
While not massive, the payment is intended as a small, strategic injection into family budgets. It can be used to:
Expense Category | How £90 Helps |
---|---|
Food and groceries | Covers a week’s essentials |
Energy bills | Helps offset summer energy charges |
Transportation | Pays for fuel or train tickets |
Household supplies | Toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. |
It is not a substitute for long-term reform but can offer short-term relief.
Section 9: Other 2025 Government Support You Might Be Eligible For
The £90 payment is part of a wider plan that includes:
Support Scheme | Amount / Purpose |
---|---|
Winter Fuel Payment (Nov–Mar) | £250–£600 for pensioners |
Cold Weather Payments | £25 per week in freezing conditions |
Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 (for PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance) |
Council Tax Support | Localised relief programs |
Household Support Fund | Help with rent, bills, and food |
Section 10: What If You Don’t Receive the £90?
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Wait until June 30 – payments are staggered
- Check your bank statement and benefit account
- Confirm you were on an eligible benefit by the qualifying date
- Contact DWP or HMRC with:
- National Insurance number
- Proof of benefit receipt
- Bank account details
Most issues are due to outdated bank information or recent changes in eligibility.
Conclusion
The £90 cost-of-living payment in June 2025 is a welcome, albeit modest, form of relief aimed at easing short-term financial stress for millions of UK households. Whether you’re a pensioner, a single parent, or someone between jobs, this initiative ensures some breathing room during a time when every pound counts.
If you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or another qualifying benefit, this payment will find you—no application required. But it’s still vital to make sure your information is up to date, your account is active, and your records are correct.
In a challenging economic environment, this £90 payment might not fix everything—but it’s a reminder that support is available and that even small boosts can make a meaningful difference.
FAQs
1. Do I have to apply for the £90 June payment?
No. The payment is automatic for those receiving eligible benefits by the qualifying date. Just ensure your bank and personal details are up to date.
2. Will this payment affect my other benefits?
No. The £90 payment is tax-free and does not count as income for any other DWP or HMRC assessments.
3. Can I receive more than one £90 payment?
No. Even if you receive multiple benefits (e.g., Universal Credit and Tax Credits), you’ll receive only one £90 payment.
4. What if I was approved for benefits after the qualifying date?
You may not qualify for this round. However, future support payments may include newly eligible claimants. Stay informed via the DWP website or your Universal Credit journal.
5. I didn’t receive the payment by June 30—what should I do?
Contact the DWP (or HMRC if you get Tax Credits) and request a payment investigation. Make sure to have your NI number, benefit history, and bank details ready.