A fresh one-off payment worth £450 has been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for 2025. The move is designed to support households struggling with cost-of-living pressures and rising essentials such as energy, food and housing. This article explains who qualifies, when the money will arrive, how it works, and what you should do to ensure you receive it.
What is the £450 Payment?
This payment is a support measure targeted at people receiving means-tested benefits. It is not a regular benefit increase, but a one-off payment of £450 intended to ease financial burdens during 2025. According to multiple sources, the payment will be made automatically to eligible recipients. One summary states that the payment is “scheduled to begin hitting bank accounts starting 17 June 2025” with distribution ending by early July.
Who is Eligible for the £450 Payment?
Eligibility is being defined around receiving certain means-tested benefits. As per published information:
- Recipients of benefits such as Universal Credit, Income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income‑related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Pension Credit, Income Support and certain tax credit claimants appear to qualify.
- You must have been receiving one of these qualifying benefits during a specified “qualifying window” (for example, one source says June 11 to July 7 2025).
- Application is not required: payments will be made automatically.
- Note: Some information is still unconfirmed (such as definitive dates and full eligibility lists), so claimants should verify carefully. One site states the DWP “hasn’t confirmed a £450 payment for May 2025,” signalling uncertainty.
When Will You Receive the £450 Payment?
Based on available information:
- Payments are expected to start around mid-June 2025, for many recipients. For example, one article gives the start date around June 17 2025.
- Payments will likely be staggered across a few weeks to accommodate all eligible claimants.
- If you qualify and your bank details are correct, you should see the payment appear in the same account into which you receive your benefit
How Much Is It and What Does It Cover?
The amount is fixed at £450 for this specific payment round. It is a non-taxable, one-off payment intended to help with day-to-day essentials such as:
- Energy bills
- Food and grocery costs
- Housing or rent costs
- Other household essentials
Because it is a lump sum rather than a recurring benefit, it may be used flexibly by recipients. It appears not to count as “regular income” for many benefit calculations (though you should check the details relevant to your benefits).
What to Do to Make Sure You Get It
To ensure you receive the payment without issue:
- Check that you are indeed receiving one of the qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, etc.).
- Ensure your bank account details and contact details are up to date with DWP. If your details have changed, this may delay the payment.
- Monitor your bank statement for the payment label (some sources indicate it may show as “DWP COLP June 2025” or similar).
- If you believe you were eligible but have not received the payment after the expected window, contact the DWP helpline or check your benefit account.
What This Payment Means for You
This £450 payment is designed as timely relief rather than a long-term increase. It signals the government’s effort to support low-income households in 2025. For many recipients, it may provide:
- A budget buffer for high-cost months
- Ability to pay pending bills or make essential purchases
- Reduced stress over short-term cashflow
However, recipients should keep in mind:
- It doesn’t replace regular benefit entitlement or guarantee future increases.
- It may not fully offset rising costs for everyone, especially those with high outgoings or debt.
- Eligibility is limited to those receiving specific benefits during the qualifying period.
Overview Table
| Feature | Detail | Notes | Impact | Who Benefits | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment amount | £450 | One-off payment | Additional cash boost | Eligible benefit claimants | Mid-June to early July 2025 |
| Eligibility base | Means-tested benefits | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc. | Targets low-income households | Claimants of those benefits | Qualifying window June-July 2025 |
| Application requirement | None | Payment automatic if eligible | Simpler access | All eligible recipients | Immediately if criteria met |
| Payment method | Bank transfer to benefit account | Same account as regular benefit payment | Seamless delivery | Existing claimants | From June 17 2025 (approx) |
| Purpose | Cost-of-living support | Energy, food, housing costs | Short-term relief | Vulnerable households | 2025 only (until further notice) |
| Income/test impact | Generally doesn’t count as income for future tests | Shouldn’t reduce means-tested benefit amounts | Maintains other benefits | Recipients of means-tested benefits | Ongoing effect |
Final Thoughts
The £450 payment from the DWP in 2025 is a welcome boost for many low-income households. While it isn’t a permanent benefit increase, it offers meaningful support at a time when costs are rising. Make sure your benefit status and bank details are up to date, understand the eligibility criteria, and monitor your account for the deposit. If you meet the conditions but don’t receive the payment, contact the DWP to investigate. Also explore additional support available in your area, such as energy discounts or local council grants, as the payment is just one part of the wider cost-of-living support landscape.
FAQs
- Do I need to apply for the £450 payment?
No, if you’re eligible the payment is automatic. - Who qualifies for the payment?
Claimants of certain means-tested benefits during the qualifying period in 2025. - When will the £450 payment appear in my bank account?
It is expected around mid-June 2025 and should arrive by early July if you qualify.