In the UK, millions of people are struggling to meet the expenses of their necessary household expenses because of inflation and the rising cost of living. The pressure is similar for food prices and energy bills. To reduce the impact of this rising cost of living, the government of the UK announced the extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is a main program that now offers £300 cost of living payments to eligible candidates across the UK.
It was specified that the disbursements are being issued to the candidates through local councils between June and July 2025. This program helps the vulnerable citizens by reducing their financial strain, which ensures that they can cover their essential expenses. This article includes all the essential information regarding this program, who qualifies, the payment schedule, and how to apply for these benefits.
£300 Cost of Living Payments Before July 2025
The £300 Cost of Living Payments are a part of the Household Support Fund, which is funded by the UK government, comes under their support program. The Department for Work and Pensions provides funds to this program. The HSF program was originally established in 2021 and has now been extended by the UK government until March 2026.
The HSF program aims to provide financial assistance to low-income households and individuals who are struggling with their daily expenses due to the rising cost of living. For this program, the funds are managed at the national level and the distributed of funds managed by local councils. This means that the claiming process for these payments and the qualifying criteria may differ depending on where you live in the UK.
Overview of £300 Cost of Living Payments
| Article on | £300 Cost of Living Payments Before July |
| Department | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Program name | Household Support Fund (HSF) |
| Amount | £300 |
| Eligibility | Households on Pension Credit, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and other benefits |
| Payment Schedule | June to July 2025 December 2025 March 2026 |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official website | gov.uk |
Eligibility Criteria for the £300 Cost of Living Payments
The eligibility criteria for the payment have been set by the local council of your living area, but these are some common qualifying requirements across most areas:
- Individuals and families with low income, even if they are not receiving any formal benefits currently.
- Those individuals who are facing financial hardship because of job loss or an increase in bills.
- Individuals who are presently receiving disability related benefits, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Those households who are getting Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other housing benefits.
- Households who are eligible and receiving Child Benefit and free school meals.
It was noted that if you are already a beneficiary of these benefits and previously received support, and there are no changes in the circumstances, then you may automatically receive the payments. But if you are new or there are any changes in the circumstances, then you need to apply for the £300 cost-of-living payments.
£300 Cost of Living Payment Schedule 2025
Most local councils are offering up to £300 Cost of Living Payments to eligible households, but this amount may differ based on the local funding. The payment schedule for these cost-of-living payments has been confirmed as:
| Phase | Payment Schedule |
| First Phase | June to July 2025 |
| Second Phase | December 2025 |
| Final Phase | March 2026 |
- In the first phase, the payment provides mainly for food and essential household items, and needs.
- The second phase manually targets the bills, including winter heating and energy costs.
- In the final phase, all the remaining payments were distributed to the eligible candidates under this extension.
Each phase is mainly a one-off series that will not affect any of your current benefits.
How will you collect the £300 Cost of Living Payments?
There are two ways by which you may receive your extended £300 cost-of-living payments:
- First is automatic deposit, so if you are eligible for these benefits and your local council has already provided your information, then the payment will transfer directly into your benefit account.
- The second one is manual application, in which you have to submit your application for these benefits by using the official website of your local council. To claim these benefits, these are some essential documents are required:
- Your recent bank statements.
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of benefit receipt (Universal credit, Child benefits, or any other benefits that you are currently receiving)
Once the process starts than your payment will appear in your bank account with a reference like HSF support, or something from the authority of your local council.
What if you do not get your payments on time?
If you are eligible but do not receive your £300 Cost of Living Payments by the mid of July, then you may consider the following steps:
- Be updated about the eligibility dates, and make sure that you were receiving your benefits payments at the time.
- Verify your account details and other required information with your local council to ensure that you have provided all the information accurately.
- If no automatic payment is issued, then applied manually to receive the cost-of-living benefits.
- For extra guidance regarding your application process, contact the administrator of the local council through a call on the council’s support line.
Final thoughts
The £300 Cost of Living Payments have been confirmed by the government, which is to support households who are struggling with the rising costs of living. These disbursements are being dispersed before July 2025. This is one of the payments that will not disturb your present benefits. These funds are more than just financial support for millions of people across the UK, as they lessen their financial hardship.
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | moyle-council.org |
FAQs
Who is eligible to receive £300 Cost of Living Payments?
Individuals or households on Pension Credit, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and other low-income support may be eligible for these payments.
Will receiving the £300 payment affect my existing benefits?
No, it is a separate one-off payment funding that does not disturb your existing benefits.
Is an application required to receive this payment?
In some areas, these payments are automatic; otherwise, you need to submit an online application through your local council.
