Thousands of people across the UK are anxiously awaiting the final £299 cost of living payment scheduled for April 2025. But while many will receive their support on time, a growing number of claimants are experiencing unexpected delays due to DWP verification checks.
If you rely on this payment to cover essential costs, understanding the reasons behind these delays—and how to prevent them—is more important than ever. This guide will help you stay one step ahead.
What Is the £299 Cost of Living Payment?
The £299 payment is the final instalment of the 2024–2025 Cost of Living Support Scheme. It follows two earlier payments of £301 and £300, aimed at helping low-income households manage rising food, fuel, and energy bills.
It’s a one-off, tax-free payment issued automatically to qualifying benefit claimants—meaning no application is required if you meet the criteria.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive the £299 payment, you must have been receiving one of the following income-based benefits during the qualifying period from 19 February to 17 March 2025:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (administered by HMRC)
Those receiving contribution-based JSA or ESA only are not eligible unless they also receive one of the above income-related benefits.
Why Are Payments Being Delayed?
Despite the majority of payments being processed without issue between 2 and 9 April 2025, some claimants may find that their money doesn’t arrive during that window. That’s because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stepped up its verification procedures to combat fraud and ensure payment accuracy.
Payments May Be Held If:
- Your personal information (such as name or address) doesn’t match official records
- You recently changed your bank account or payment method
- Your benefit claim was updated, paused, or recently reopened
- There are duplicate records or conflicting claims detected in the DWP system
While these issues may seem minor, they can result in weeks-long delays as your claim is flagged for manual review.
How to Avoid Payment Delays
Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to ensure your payment isn’t held back.
1. Verify Your Personal Information
Log into your DWP or HMRC account and double-check your name, address, and National Insurance number. Even small inconsistencies could delay your payment.
2. Update Bank Details Promptly
If you’ve changed your bank account recently, ensure that your new account number and sort code are correctly updated in your benefit profile.
3. Prevent Conflicting Claims
Avoid situations where multiple people file claims on behalf of the same household. This often happens with joint accounts or when someone else is managing your benefits.
4. Don’t Contact DWP Too Soon
While it’s tempting to call immediately if your payment is late, the DWP advises waiting at least 10 working days after the end of the payment window (9 April 2025) before getting in touch.
5. Monitor Your Bank Account Carefully
The payment will appear as a deposit with a reference like:
DWP COLP [Your NI number]
This code confirms the payment is for the cost of living support. Be sure to check regularly, especially during and after the scheduled payment week.
What to Do If Your Payment Still Hasn’t Arrived
If you’ve taken all precautions and still haven’t received your payment by 19 April 2025, it’s time to act.
Follow these steps:
- Check your DWP or HMRC account for any messages or updates
- Review your bank statements for the DWP COLP reference
- Call the official DWP helpline or visit the GOV.UK cost of living payment page for assistance
- Have your benefit reference number and National Insurance number ready when calling
Why Verification Checks Matter
Although frustrating, these verification measures are in place to prevent fraud and ensure taxpayer money goes only to eligible recipients. In recent years, reports of duplicate claims and fraudulent applications have prompted DWP to adopt a more cautious payment strategy.
For honest claimants, this means staying proactive and ensuring your records are current and error-free.
Quick Recap: DWP £299 Payment Essentials
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £299 (Final Cost of Living Payment) |
| Payment Window | 2 – 9 April 2025 |
| Eligibility | Income-related benefits (see above) |
| Delay Reasons | Mismatched info, bank changes, updates |
| Resolution Time | Up to 10 working days after 9 April |
| What To Do If Late | Verify details, check account, then call |
Final Thoughts
The £299 cost of living payment provides critical relief for millions across the UK. But with stricter DWP verification procedures in place, even minor discrepancies can lead to delays. By keeping your benefit details accurate and monitoring your payment closely, you can reduce the chance of any disruption.
If your payment is held for verification, don’t panic. Most issues are resolved quickly—especially when your records are up to date.