As the UK moves deeper into autumn 2025, millions of households continue to feel the pressure of high food prices, energy bills, and housing costs. Social media has recently erupted with claims that a new £400 Cost of Living Payment will be issued by the government this October but what’s true and what’s not?
Let’s break down the facts, official updates, and what support is actually available right now.
Is the £400 Cost of Living Payment Real?
Despite what many viral posts suggest, there is no official confirmation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the UK Government about a £400 payment this month.
The last confirmed Cost of Living Payment programme ended in early 2024. Since then, no new nationwide payment has been announced or approved by the Treasury.
The DWP has emphasised that any new financial support will always be announced directly on GOV.UK, through Parliament statements, or official press releases not on Facebook, TikTok, or WhatsApp forwards.
In short, the widely circulated £400 payment rumour is false as of October 2025.
Why Are So Many People Talking About It?
The rumour has spread largely because people are still struggling.
Inflation has slowed since its 2023 peak, but many essentials remain costly:
- Food prices remain around 20% higher than pre-crisis levels.
- Energy debts reached record highs of nearly £4 billion by late 2024.
- Housing and rent costs continue to outpace wage growth.
Amid these ongoing challenges, many expected the government to announce fresh relief this autumn but so far, ministers have not introduced any universal payment for all households.
What the Real DWP Cost of Living Payments Looked Like (2022–2024)
Between 2022 and 2024, millions of low-income families and pensioners received official, automatic support through a series of Cost of Living Payments. Here’s a reminder of how those worked:
| Payment Amount | Benefit Type | Payment Window |
|---|---|---|
| £299 | Tax Credits | Feb 2024 |
| £300 | Tax Credits | Nov 2023 |
| £301 | Tax Credits | May 2023 |
| £324 | Tax Credits | Nov 2022 |
| £326 | Tax Credits | Sept 2022 |
These payments were:
- Automatic and tax-free
- Sent directly to the same bank account used for benefit payments
- Exempt from affecting other benefit entitlements
That simple, transparent approach made them highly effective and it’s also why current rumours often sound believable.
Who Qualified for the Past Payments
Eligibility was based on receiving at least one of these benefits during a qualifying period:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based JSA or ESA
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
If any new Cost of Living scheme were to be introduced later in 2025, it would almost certainly follow the same structure.
What Support Is Actually Confirmed for Winter 2025
While a universal £400 payment isn’t on the table, several targeted support schemes are officially confirmed for late 2025:
| Support Type | Amount | Payment Period | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | £200–£600 | Nov–Dec 2025 | Pension-age households |
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 | Autumn 2025 | Claimants of PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 credit | Winter 2025–26 | Low-income or pensioner households |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per 7-day freeze | Trigger-based | Certain income-related benefit claimants |
These are verified by the DWP and can be tracked through the official GOV.UK portals.
Extra Income Boost for Pensioners
Thanks to the Triple Lock system, the State Pension is set to rise again in April 2025 an average increase of around £400 a year for full-rate recipients.
This uplift isn’t a one-off payment, but it will help ease pressure for millions of retirees through the 2025–26 financial year.
How to Stay Safe from £400 Payment Scams
Scammers often exploit confusion around government benefits.
The DWP warns people never to respond to texts, emails, or calls asking for:
- Bank or card details
- National Insurance number
- Personal login information
- Links to “apply” for the £400 payment
All real payments from the government are automatic you never have to apply or share financial details.
If you receive suspicious messages, report them via the National Cyber Security Centre or the official DWP helpline.
Could a New Payment Still Be Announced?
Possibly but not yet.
If energy prices rise again this winter or inflation spikes before the next fiscal review, the government could revisit new cost-of-living measures.
Such an announcement would likely come during the Autumn Statement 2025, followed by official DWP guidance in late November.
Until then, it’s best to ignore rumours and rely only on verified government sources.
Key Takeaways
- No official £400 payment confirmed for October 2025
- Beware of online scams or fake “application” links
- Existing verified support includes Winter Fuel, Disability, and Warm Home schemes
- Pensioners will see around £400 extra per year from April 2025
- Always check GOV.UK for updates not social media posts
FAQs – £400 Cost of Living Payment 2025
1. Has the DWP confirmed a new £400 payment?
No. There is currently no official announcement of any £400 payment in October 2025.
2. Are any Cost of Living Payments still active?
Yes, several targeted ones such as the Winter Fuel Payment and Disability Payment remain in place.
3. How do I check if I qualify for real support?
Visit GOV.UK and use the official benefit calculators or call the DWP helpline.
4. Will there be new support later in the year?
It’s possible, but only after the Autumn Statement 2025 or a direct DWP announcement.
5. How can I avoid scams?
Never share personal or banking details online. Real payments are automatic and don’t require an application.
