The UK government has confirmed that no new cost of living payments will be issued in 2025. These payments, previously distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), provided essential relief to low-income households coping with steep rises in food, energy, and housing costs.
Although this form of financial support is coming to an end, there are still opportunities for eligible individuals to access other types of aid.
According to Devon Live, millions may be missing out on substantial assistance through unclaimed benefits, including Pension Credit and Council Tax support. These schemes remain accessible through existing government and local authority channels.
End of Government Cost of Living Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated that there will be no further cost of living support issued during 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, these payments offered up to £1,550 in total to eligible households struggling with rising prices of food, fuel, and utilities.
For many, these payments acted as a temporary financial cushion. With their withdrawal, other forms of support such as benefits and local aid now come into focus.
Low-income individuals or people living alone may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction schemes, which can lead to significant annual savings. These schemes are managed locally by authorities in England and Wales rather than administered at the national level.
Eligibility and application procedures vary, so residents should consult their local authority for guidance.
Unclaimed Pension Credit Still Available
Older adults on a low income may qualify for Pension Credit, a benefit averaging £4,300 per year. The DWP estimates that 760,000 eligible individuals are not currently claiming it. Many mistakenly believe that owning a home or having modest savings disqualifies them.
In reality, even receiving £1 per week in Pension Credit can open access to other valuable forms of support.
Individuals can check eligibility through the Pension Credit calculator at GOV.UK, or by calling the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234. Organizations such as Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK also provide expert help.
Disability and Age-Related Benefits
Support is available for people with health conditions, depending on age :
- For those under State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland) provides between £29.20 and £187.45 per week, equivalent to £116.80 to £749.80 per four-week period.
- For individuals over State Pension age, Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment offers either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, amounting to £295.60 or £441.60 every four weeks.
These Cost of Living payments are designed to help with additional daily living costs linked to long-term illness or disability.
Full List of Reasons to Check Eligibility
A broad set of personal circumstances may qualify someone for benefits or discounts. It is recommended to check entitlement if any of the following applies:
- Temporary inability to work (e.g. due to illness)
- Low income while of working age
- Low income after reaching State Pension age
- Redundancy
- Actively seeking employment
- Raising a family
- Caring for a child with health needs or disabilities
- Living with a disability or long-term health condition
- Acting as an unpaid carer
- Recent bereavement
How Online Benefit Calculators Work
Several free and independent calculators can help determine potential benefit claims. These tools are confidential, easy to use, and take about ten minutes. Before starting, users should gather:
- Information on savings
- Details of income, including a partner’s
- Existing benefits and pensions (for all household members)
- Outgoings, such as rent, mortgage, and childcare
- Their most recent Council Tax bill
These simulators give tailored results based on the user’s situation and can also show:
- What benefits could be claimed
- How to apply
- How support would change if starting or adjusting employment
Recommended Tools for Benefit Checks
Trusted platforms that provide this service include :
- Turn2us
- Entitledto
- Policy in Practice
These websites offer a reliable starting point for identifying underclaimed support.
