The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has delivered a significant update for households across the UK, confirming that no further Cost of Living Payments will be issued in 2026. This marks the end of a series of emergency support measures that ran from 2022 to 2024.
End of an Emergency Support Era
Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) distributed vital one-off payments to help families cope with soaring energy bills and high inflation in the wake of the pandemic. Millions on low incomes, pensioners, and disability benefit claimants received support ranging from £150 to £326.
However, a fresh update published on GOV.UK now states bluntly: "DWP is not planning to make any more Cost of Living Payments." The guidance explains the data-driven process used to determine eligibility for the past payments and encourages those facing financial hardship to seek alternative support.
Urgent Warning Over Benefit Scams
Alongside the payment news, the DWP has issued a crucial warning for the public to stay vigilant against fraud. Scammers are exploiting the situation by sending bogus texts or emails claiming individuals need to apply or provide details to receive cost of living support.
The official warning is clear: "If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam." The DWP does not require people to apply for these specific payments, which were issued automatically to those eligible.
What Support Was Previously Paid?
The previous support packages were broken down into three key groups:
- Low Income and Tax Credits Payments: Amounts of £326, £324, £301, £300, and £299 were paid to those on Universal Credit, Tax Credits, and Pension Credit.
- Disability Payments: Two separate £150 payments reached claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance.
- Pensioner Payments: Sums of £150 or £300 were added to the Winter Fuel Payment for eligible State Pension age households, potentially providing up to £600 extra support over the winters of 2022/23 and 2023/24.
How to Challenge a Past Payment Decision
For those who believe they were wrongly missed for a payment between 2022 and 2024, the DWP has outlined a formal process. Claimants can contact the office that pays their qualifying benefit to request an explanation of the decision.
The department advises: "Tell us if you think we have overlooked something, or you have more information which might change the decision." This can be done by phone or in writing, either by the claimant or someone authorised to act for them.
Check Now for Unclaimed Financial Support
With direct payments ending, the DWP is strongly urging people to check if they are missing out on other benefits or discounts. Using a free, independent online benefits calculator can be the first step.
These confidential tools take about 10 minutes and can identify entitlements based on your savings, income, existing benefits, and outgoings. They are recommended for a wide range of people, including those unable to work due to illness, on a low income, caring for someone, disabled, or who have been made redundant.
Key independent calculators include Turn2us, Entitledto, and Policy in Practice. While they provide an estimate, it remains the individual's responsibility to submit any claim.
