£288 Universal Credit Cost: If you’ve recently heard rumors about a £288 Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment arriving in April 2025, you’re not alone. Many UK residents receiving means-tested benefits are eager to know if this payment is real, when it’s coming, and who qualifies. While there is no official confirmation of a £288 payment specifically, several Cost of Living Payments (COLP) are being issued throughout 2025 under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) support package for low-income households.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening with Universal Credit support this year, how much you could receive, and what to do if you’re unsure about your eligibility.
Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment Drops This Month
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Rumored Payment | £288 Cost of Living Payment – not officially confirmed |
| Confirmed DWP Payments | £301 (Spring 2025), £300 (Summer), £299 (Autumn) |
| Eligible Benefits | Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Tax Credits, etc. |
| Extra Support | £150 Disability Payment, £150–£300 Pensioner Winter Fuel Aid |
| Automatic Payouts | No application needed |
| Source | GOV.UK – Cost of Living Payments |
Although the rumored £288 Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment isn’t confirmed, the UK government is indeed supporting households with £900 in total cost of living payments in 2025. If you’re receiving Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, you’ll likely receive these payments automatically, as long as you’re eligible during the assessment periods.
Keep a close eye on official announcements and always double-check your benefit status to avoid missing out. These support packages can make a real difference during a time of rising costs.
Understanding the £288 Payment Rumor
As of April 2025, the UK government has not announced a specific £288 Cost of Living Payment. This figure may stem from confusion or misreporting around the scheduled £301, £300, and £299 payments set to roll out through the year. These payments are not monthly, but rather one-time instalments, part of a larger government support package introduced in the cost-of-living crisis response.
That said, you may still receive significant financial support this month if you’re eligible for one of the confirmed 2025 Cost of Living Payments.
Confirmed Cost of Living Payments in 2025
To help households cope with rising prices, the DWP is issuing three main cost of living payments in 2025, totaling £900:
Payment Breakdown:
- £301 – Spring 2025
- £300 – Summer 2025
- £299 – Autumn 2025
These are non-taxable, automatic payments for people receiving specific means-tested benefits like:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
To qualify, you must have received one of these benefits during a specific assessment window, which is announced by the DWP ahead of each payment.
Who Is Eligible for These Payments?
Eligibility Criteria:
You’ll receive a payment if, during the qualifying period, you were entitled to:
- Universal Credit (not solely the “new claim advance”)
- Income-based JSA or ESA (contribution-based versions do not qualify)
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Tax Credits (for those not receiving UC)
Note: People receiving contribution-based benefits only, such as contribution-based JSA or ESA, do not qualify for COLPs unless they also get a qualifying benefit.
Other Payments in 2025
£150 Disability Cost of Living Payment
If you receive any of the following, you’re due a one-off £150:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Scottish Disability Benefits
£150–£300 Pensioner Winter Payment
This bonus is added to the Winter Fuel Payment for those over State Pension age, expected in late 2025.
When Will You Receive These Payments?
2025 Payment Schedule (Expected)
| Payment Type | Expected Timeframe |
|---|---|
| £301 COLP | Spring 2025 (April–May) |
| £300 COLP | Summer 2025 (July–August) |
| £299 COLP | Autumn 2025 (October–November) |
| £150 Disability | Mid-2025 |
| £150–£300 Pensioner Boost | Winter 2025–2026 |
Payment dates may vary depending on your benefit schedule or bank processing time.
£288 Universal Credit Cost: How Will the Payments Be Made?
- All payments are automatic.
- You do not need to apply.
- They will appear in your bank account with a reference like “DWP COLP” or “HMRC COLP”.
- Make sure your bank details are up to date with the DWP or HMRC to avoid issues.
If you haven’t received a payment and believe you’re eligible, contact:
What to Do if You Don’t Receive the Payment
If you meet the eligibility conditions and haven’t received your payment within a few weeks after the scheduled date:
- Check your bank account for unusual references.
- Log in to your benefit portal (Universal Credit, PIP, etc.) and verify eligibility.
- Contact the relevant authority (DWP or HMRC) with your benefit number and bank information.
- Ensure you’re not only on contribution-based support, as those benefits do not qualify on their own.
Massive Universal Credit & PIP Updates in 2025—Will Your Benefits Be Cut or Increased?
PIP Cuts Coming: Is Your Name on the 2025 Reassessment List of Those Losing Benefits?
FAQs on £288 Universal Credit Cost
Q1: Is there really a £288 Cost of Living Payment this April?
No, there is no confirmed £288 payment. The actual spring payment is £301, expected to be distributed between April and May 2025.
Q2: Do I need to apply for the cost of living payments?
No. If you’re eligible, the payment will be made automatically into your bank account.
Q3: Will the cost of living payments affect my other benefits or taxes?
No. These payments are non-taxable, do not affect other benefits, and don’t count as income.
Q4: What if I get contribution-based JSA/ESA only?
You won’t qualify unless you also receive a means-tested benefit like UC or Income Support.
Q5: How can I make sure I qualify next time?
Maintain eligibility for a qualifying benefit during the specific window announced before each payment. Also, ensure your benefit account and bank details are correct.
