There is currently no £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment scheduled for 2026, and no official announcements have been made regarding a similar future payment.
The £299 payment was a one-off support issued in early 2024 to eligible UK households on means-tested benefits. While the payment helped millions during a challenging financial period, it was the final instalment in a three-part support package and is not being repeated as of the current government position.
Key Takeaways:
- The £299 DWP payment was issued between 6–22 February 2024
- It was the third and final instalment of a £900 support scheme
- No similar cost-of-living payment is confirmed for 2026
- Support is now delivered through targeted schemes such as council funds and pensioner aid
- Always verify payment updates on official UK government channels
What was the £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment?
The £299 Cost of Living Payment was part of a wider financial support package implemented by the UK government to assist households during the cost-of-living crisis.
Paid automatically between 6 and 22 February 2024 by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and between 16 and 22 February by HMRC for tax credit-only claimants, this payment concluded the £900 support rollout for the 2023–2024 tax year.
Eligible recipients included those receiving specific means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, and certain tax credits.
To qualify, individuals had to be entitled to a payment of these benefits between 13 November and 12 December 2023. The payment was tax-free, did not affect benefit caps, and required no application to be deposited directly into bank accounts.
It followed two earlier payments of £301 and £300, collectively forming a targeted response to economic hardship. The £299 instalment marked the closure of the national Cost of Living Payment series under that scheme.
Why Is the £299 Payment Still Being Searched in 2026?
Despite the scheme ending in 2024, the £299 Cost of Living Payment continues to be searched for online in 2026. Many households remain under financial pressure and hope for renewed support, especially as utility costs and food prices have continued to strain budgets. The familiarity of the £299 figure, paired with memories of previous successful payments, leads to ongoing public interest.
Several other factors contribute to continued search volume. For example, misinformation on social media often revives outdated schemes, and many people misunderstand the eligibility timelines for past payments. Some also assume that previous annual payments may have become permanent fixtures.
Additionally, those who missed the payment or moved to qualifying benefits after the cut-off period may still be looking for clarification or wondering if they can appeal or reapply.
Common reasons people continue to search:
- Confusion about eligibility periods
- Hope for new support
- Misinformation from unofficial sources
- Unawareness that the scheme has officially ended
Is There a £299 Cost of Living Payment in 2026?
As of now, there is no confirmed £299 Cost of Living Payment scheduled for 2026. The payment made in February 2024 was the last in a series of three government-issued support instalments, and there has been no official update to suggest a similar scheme will resume.
It is important to state clearly that while cost of living support continues in other forms, the government has not announced any repetition of the £299 figure or related programme.
Any future announcements would be subject to the UK Government’s fiscal strategy and the specific priorities of any sitting administration.
The current government position is focused on more localised, targeted relief efforts rather than repeating one-off, universal payments. While households should remain alert to policy updates, there is no indication that a new nationwide payment of £299 will be introduced in 2026.
What Has Replaced the National Cost of Living Payments?
Following the conclusion of the £900 Cost of Living Payment series in early 2024, the UK government shifted its approach from national, one-off payments to more targeted and sustainable forms of financial assistance.
While there is no direct replacement for the £299 payment, several initiatives and ongoing schemes have emerged to support low-income and vulnerable households.
Overview of Targeted Support Now in Place
Instead of replicating the former universal cost of living payments, the government is focusing on refining support through means-tested benefits, benefit uprating, and locally administered grants.
These initiatives aim to address varying regional and individual circumstances more precisely. Local authorities and existing benefit structures now play a larger role in delivering aid.
The Household Support Fund, for example, offers councils the flexibility to distribute help where it’s most needed. The value of other forms of support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment and disability payment,s has been maintained or increased in response to inflation and ongoing living costs.
Notable Shift From Universal to Localised Support
Previously, national cost of living payments were automatic and applied to large groups. Now, support has become more localised, routed through community and council programmes which assess specific needs. This includes emergency grants, food and energy bill assistance, and housing-related support through council discretion.
This localisation allows resources to be distributed more effectively, but it also requires people to be more proactive in understanding and applying for available help.
Focus on Vulnerability-based Schemes
Support is increasingly focused on groups most affected by rising costs, such as pensioners, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The government has adjusted several benefit rates and continues to offer additional support for winter energy costs, household essentials, and childcare.
This shift towards vulnerability-based aid highlights a longer-term strategy, rather than temporary one-off payments, the emphasis is now on continuous, built-in support mechanisms.
Current Alternatives to the £299 Payment Include
- Local council grants (e.g. Household Support Fund): Financial aid for essentials such as energy, food and clothing, distributed by local authorities.
- Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments: Extra payments alongside the Winter Fuel Payment for eligible pensioners, varying based on age and household circumstances.
- Warm Home Discount: A one-time discount on electricity bills for those on low income or in receipt of specific benefits.
- Universal Credit increases and uprating: Annual increases based on inflation, with the April 2026 uprating offering an additional uplift for claimants.
- National Living Wage rises: The 2026 increase boosts full-time workers’ income by over £1,800 annually, helping to offset basic living costs.
- Free school meals & Healthy Start vouchers: Support for families with young children, providing access to nutritious food and milk during challenging periods.
- Support for disabled claimants: Additional payments made to individuals on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and related benefits.
- Childcare cost relief via Universal Credit: Eligible working families on Universal Credit can now claim up to 85% of childcare costs, offering significant savings.
Together, these programmes reflect a structural shift in how financial support is provided to those in need across the UK.
Who Might Qualify for Future DWP Support?
While no national cost-of-living payment is currently planned for 2026, some groups may still qualify for targeted financial help through existing or upcoming schemes. The DWP continues to deliver support to individuals receiving qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and disability-related allowances.
Future eligibility for DWP-issued financial help is typically based on entitlement to means-tested or disability benefits.
Automatic payments like the earlier cost-of-living support are still used in some cases, especially for pensioners and disabled people during the winter months. However, claimants should always confirm eligibility criteria, which may vary by benefit type and timing.
It’s important to note that receiving a cost-of-living payment in a previous year does not guarantee eligibility for future payments. New schemes, if introduced, will likely be based on updated economic assessments and qualifying conditions.
Be Cautious: Common Scams Around Cost of Living Payments
With financial support programmes often generating public interest, scams related to cost-of-living payments have become increasingly common. Criminals impersonate government departments, asking individuals to provide bank details or personal data in exchange for supposed payments.
These scams typically appear as texts, emails, or even social media messages. Fraudsters may pose as DWP or HMRC representatives, claiming that recipients need to “apply” or “confirm” bank details to receive the payment. In reality, all genuine payments are automatic and never require such steps.
Key signs of a scam include:
- Requests for bank details, passwords or login information
- Messages claiming you must apply for cost-of-living payments
- Unofficial-looking links or email addresses
- Pressure to act immediately or lose a payment opportunity
- Contact outside official GOV.UK channels
Tips to stay safe:
- Never click links in suspicious emails or texts
- Check your bank account for payments before responding to messages
- Confirm details through GOV.UK before taking action
- Report scams to Action Fraud or your local authority
- Use only verified government platforms to check eligibility
Public vigilance plays a key role in stopping fraud. If in doubt, always cross-check with GOV.UK or contact your benefits office directly.
Conclusion: Cost of Living Support in 2026 and Beyond
As of 2026, the £299 DWP Cost of Living Payment remains part of the historical support issued in response to economic challenges faced between 2022 and 2024.
There is no current government plan to repeat this payment, and no £299 instalment is scheduled for the future. However, financial help continues to be available through a variety of targeted, localised schemes.
The shift from universal payments to focused support reflects a policy evolution towards ongoing aid rather than temporary relief. Those most likely to benefit are low-income families, pensioners, and people with disabilities, groups identified as being at greater financial risk.
It is vital for individuals to stay informed through official sources and understand the types of help they may qualify for. While the £299 payment is no longer active, the landscape of support has not disappeared, it has simply changed form. New schemes, wage increases and benefit adjustments are all part of a broader effort to assist those in need in 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a DWP £299 cost of living payment in 2026?
No, there is no confirmed DWP £299 payment in 2026. The government has not announced any similar upcoming scheme.
Why did the DWP issue a £299 payment in 2024?
The £299 payment was part of a three-part financial support package issued in 2023–2024 to help low-income households during the cost of living crisis.
Can I still apply for the £299 cost of living payment?
No, the eligibility period for the £299 payment has ended. All payments were automatic and no application was required.
What support can I get now with the cost of living?
You may be eligible for help through local council grants, Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Home Discount and Universal Credit increases.
How can I avoid scams about cost of living payments?
Always ignore unsolicited requests for personal information and verify updates directly on GOV.UK. Government payments are made automatically.
Will future DWP payments be the same as before?
Future payments may vary and are based on new government decisions. Previous payment history does not guarantee future eligibility.
I think I was eligible in 2024 but didn’t get the payment – what can I do?
You can report a missing payment via GOV.UK if the window is still open. Check your eligibility and dates before submitting a claim.
