450 cost of living payment qualifying period: To help vulnerable households manage rising costs, the UK Government has confirmed a £450 Cost of Living Payment for eligible claimants in May 2025. This financial aid is part of an extended benefits package targeting low-income families.
One of the most important aspects to qualify for this payment is the eligibility period, which determines who receives the payment automatically.
What is the Qualifying Period for the £450 Payment?
To be eligible, individuals must have received one or more qualifying benefits during the assessment period from 13 November to 12 December 2024. This time frame has been officially designated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to decide payment eligibility.
Qualifying Benefits Include:
If you received any of the following benefits during the qualifying period, you may be eligible:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Important: If you receive only New Style JSA or New Style ESA, you won’t qualify unless you’re also receiving one of the benefits listed above.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
- DWP Recipients: Between 13 May and 27 May 2025
- Tax Credit Only Recipients (via HMRC): Between 28 May and 10 June 2025
The payment will be directly credited to your bank account with the reference “DWP COLP” followed by your National Insurance number.
What If You Don’t Receive It?
If you meet all conditions and still haven’t received the payment by 14 June 2025, you can report a missing Cost of Living Payment on the official GOV.UK website.
Make sure your account details and benefit information are up to date with DWP or HMRC.
No Application Required
You do not need to apply for the £450 payment. If you’re eligible based on the qualifying period and benefit criteria, the payment will be made automatically.
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FAQs about 450 cost of living payment qualifying period
Q1: What is the qualifying period for the £450 Cost of Living Payment?
A: The qualifying period is 13 November to 12 December 2024.
Q2: Do I need to apply to receive the payment?
A: No, the payment is automatic for eligible recipients.
Q3: Will the payment affect my existing benefits or taxes?
A: No, it is a non-taxable payment and does not impact other benefits.
Q4: I get New Style ESA only. Am I eligible?
A: Not unless you also receive another qualifying benefit.
Q5: What does the payment reference look like?
A: The deposit will appear as DWP COLP [Your NI Number] in your bank account.
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