Rising prices for food, energy, rent and daily essentials have made the cost of living a serious concern across the UK. Over the past few years, the government has stepped in with one-off payments and targeted support to help low-income households. But now, in 2025, many are asking the same question: are cost of living payments still available? With previous schemes having ended earlier this year, millions are searching for new ways to access financial support. Whether you’re on Universal Credit, a pension, or simply struggling to get by, it’s crucial to understand what help is still out there. From council-run grants to new national voucher schemes, support hasn’t disappeared – it’s just changed form.
What happened to the DWP cost of living payments?
Between 2022 and 2024, the UK Government issued several rounds of cost of living payments through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These included:
- £650 in 2022 for people on means-tested benefits
- £900 across 2023–24, split into three payments
- £300 winter pensioner payments
- Disability cost of living payments for eligible individuals
These payments were automatically sent to people on Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, and Tax Credits. They provided essential relief during a period of high inflation and energy bills.
However, as of February 2024, the final instalments were issued, and no further DWP cost of living payments are planned for 2025. This has left many wondering: what replaces them?
What support is available now in 2025?
While direct DWP payments have ended, several new and ongoing schemes still offer help to struggling households.
Before the list below, it’s important to note: many of these programs are run locally, and eligibility can vary depending on your area. Always check with your local council or trusted sources like Citizens Advice.
- Household Support Fund (HSF) – extended in some regions until March 2026, offering help with food, heating, or cash support through councils
- New Crisis and Resilience Fund – a £1 billion annual fund launched to replace HSF from mid-2025, offering supermarket vouchers, heating aid, or emergency cash
- Winter Fuel Payment – for pensioners, usually £200–£300, depending on age and circumstances
- Cold Weather Payments – £25 per week triggered during periods of extreme cold (England/Wales only)
- Winter Heating Payment – Scotland’s alternative to Cold Weather Payment, offering a flat £50
- Local welfare assistance – many councils run their own emergency hardship funds
- Energy supplier grants – some suppliers offer debt relief or vouchers for struggling customers
- Charity help – organisations like Turn2us and the Trussell Trust offer advice and emergency help
These support options are designed to replace the one-off payments from the DWP. They may require an application, and in some cases, proof of hardship.
After reviewing the list, remember that these are not automatic payments. You often need to apply, contact your council, or check eligibility online. Use resources like citizensadvice.org.uk or your council’s official website.
How to check what you’re entitled to
If you’re not sure what you can claim in 2025, there are easy ways to find out:
- Use a benefits calculator (Turn2us, Entitledto, or gov.uk)
- Visit your local council website for current support schemes
- Call or visit Citizens Advice for free, confidential guidance
- Ask your energy supplier if they offer a hardship fund or payment plan
Many households are missing out on help simply because they don’t know what’s available. Whether you rent or own, work or claim benefits, there may be non-repayable support available.
Conclusion
While the well-known DWP cost of living payments have now ended, that doesn’t mean support has vanished. The government has shifted its focus to targeted local schemes, voucher funds, and seasonal energy support – with councils playing a bigger role. The introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund signals a more structured approach to long-term help. But to benefit from these programs, you must stay informed, apply early, and reach out when needed. If you’ve been asking “What cost of living help is available now?”, the good news is – support still exists. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.
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