Many posts online claim a £250 Cost of Living Payment in September 2025—but the UK government has not confirmed any such payment.
The official Cost of Living Payment scheme ran from 2022–2024 and ended with the final £299 instalment in February 2024. There is no new £250 payment scheduled for September 2025.
Instead, several real support schemes are available in autumn/winter 2025. Below is a clear breakdown of what help exists, who qualifies, and how to claim.
What Is Actually Available In September 2025
- Household Support Fund (HSF) 2025–26: England’s councils have £742 million to help low-income households with essentials (food, energy, essentials). You typically apply via your local council.
- Warm Home Discount (WHD) 2025/26: A £150 credit on electricity bills for eligible low-income and pensioner households. The scheme reopens October 2025, with the qualifying date set at 24 August 2025 for automatic matching. In Scotland some people still apply.
- Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26: For people born before 22 September 1959. Letters go out in October–November; payments follow and are based on circumstances during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025).
- Christmas Bonus: A £10 automatic payment for people on certain benefits, usually in the first full week of December. No application needed.
Bottom line: There is no official £250 DWP payment in September 2025.
If you see messages telling you to “apply now” for £250, treat them as misinformation or potential scams and check GOV.UK.
Who Is Eligible And How To Claim
- Household Support Fund: Eligibility is set locally (income hardship, benefits status, exceptional need). Apply through your council website; evidence of hardship may be required.
- Warm Home Discount (£150): In England & Wales, most eligible households are matched automatically if they received a qualifying means-tested benefit on 24 August 2025; you’ll get a letter and the discount is applied by 31 March 2026. In Scotland, some customers must apply when the helpline opens. Backdated benefits (e.g., Pension Credit) to the qualifying date can still secure eligibility.
- Winter Fuel Payment: If you meet the age rule and UK residency conditions, you’re paid automatically if you got it before; first-time claimants may need to apply. Amounts vary by age and household situation; your letter in Oct–Nov confirms the figure.
- Christmas Bonus (£10): Paid automatically if you receive a qualifying benefit in the qualifying week (early December). No claim needed.
Quick Reference (Autumn/Winter 2025)
| Support Scheme | Amount | Who Qualifies | How To Get It | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household Support Fund | Varies (local help with food/energy) | Low-income/vulnerable residents in England | Apply via local council | Fund active 1 Apr 2025–31 Mar 2026 |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 bill credit | On qualifying means-tested benefits (Core Groups) | Mostly automatic; some apply (Scotland) | Scheme reopens Oct 2025; 24 Aug 2025 is the qualifying date; applied by 31 Mar 2026 |
| Winter Fuel Payment | Amount varies by age/circumstances | Born before 22 Sept 1959 | Automatic or claim if first time | Qualifying week 15–21 Sept 2025; letters Oct–Nov |
| Christmas Bonus | £10 | On certain benefits in qualifying week | Automatic | Early Dec 2025 |
Citations: GOV.UK+4GOV.UK+4GOV.UK+4Octopus Energy
How To Stay Safe From Scams
- Ignore posts pushing a “£250 September payment” with links/forms.
- Do not share bank details via text, email, or social media.
- Always verify on GOV.UK and your council’s website.
There is no £250 UK Cost of Living Payment in September 2025.
However, genuine help does exist: the Household Support Fund for essentials, the Warm Home Discount (£150) for energy bills, the Winter Fuel Payment for older households, and the £10 Christmas Bonus.
Check your council, your energy supplier, and GOV.UK for the latest eligibility rules and application windows so you can claim everything you’re entitled to without falling for false online claims.
FAQs
No. The government ended the Cost of Living Payment scheme after the February 2024 instalment. No £250 payment is scheduled for September 2025.
Depending on your situation: Household Support Fund (via your council), Warm Home Discount (£150), Winter Fuel Payment (if age-eligible), and the £10 Christmas Bonus.
HSF usually requires an application to your local council. WHD is mostly automatic in England & Wales (letters sent Oct–Jan; some Scottish customers apply). Winter Fuel Payment is automatic for most repeat recipients; first-timers may need to apply. Christmas Bonus is automatic.