With the cost of living rising sharply in 2025, many UK pensioners are searching for ways to manage their household budgets. Energy bills, groceries, and everyday expenses all seem to be climbing, and understandably, there is a lot of interest in any government support that can help. Recently, there has been a lot of talk online about a possible £310 one-off payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
But is this payment real? Or is it just another internet rumour? More importantly, what other help is actually available for pensioners this year? In this article, we’ll break everything down clearly, so you know exactly what’s going on and what you can do to claim all the support you’re entitled to.
Where Did the £310 Payment Rumour Come From?
The first thing to understand is that the DWP has not officially confirmed any special one-off £310 payment for pensioners in 2025. This figure seems to have started as speculation online, possibly because of confusion with other confirmed payments that add up to a similar amount.
It’s easy to see how these rumours spread. People often see headlines on social media or hear second-hand information from friends and family. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of misinformation and unnecessary worry.
The good news is that there are several confirmed cost of living payments available in 2025. These payments are designed to help pensioners and other low-income households cope with rising costs, and you do not need to rely on rumours to access them.
What Cost of Living Payments Are Confirmed in 2025?
If you qualify, you could receive multiple payments throughout the year. These confirmed payments include:
- £301 in Spring
- £300 in Summer
- £299 in Autumn
- £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment (for those on disability-related benefits)
- £150–£300 Pensioner Payment added to the Winter Fuel Payment
These payments are separate from your usual benefits or pension. The best part is that they are non-taxable, will not affect any other benefits you receive, and are paid automatically if you are eligible. You do not need to apply unless you are not currently receiving Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit.
Who Can Get These Payments?
The payments are aimed at helping households on the lowest incomes or those with additional needs. You could qualify if you fall into one of the following groups:
1. Low-Income Households and Pension Credit Claimants
If you receive any of these benefits, you are likely to be eligible:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
Even if you only get a small amount of Pension Credit (sometimes as little as £1 a week), it can open the door to hundreds of pounds of extra support.
2. Disability Benefit Claimants
If you receive one of the following, you may qualify for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
The DWP will select a specific date to determine who qualifies for this payment, so keep an eye out for announcements.
3. Pensioners Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 24 September 1958 and live in the UK, you could receive the Winter Fuel Payment. In 2025, this payment includes a £150–£300 top-up as part of the pensioner cost of living support.
Winter Fuel Payment Changes You Need to Know
One of the biggest changes in recent years is that the Winter Fuel Payment is no longer universal. Up until 2024, almost all pensioners received this payment automatically. Now, it is means-tested, which means you will only get it automatically if you are receiving a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit.
Sadly, this change means many pensioners could miss out. Experts estimate that more than 780,000 pensioners could lose the Winter Fuel Payment simply because they are not claiming Pension Credit, even though they are eligible.
How Can You Make Sure You Get All the Support Available?
To avoid missing out on money that could help you with essentials like heating, groceries, or transport, here are some steps you should take right now:
- Check if You Qualify for Pension Credit
Visit the Pension Credit calculator on the official GOV.UK website. Many people think they will not qualify because they have a small pension, some savings, or own their home. But you might still be eligible. - Apply for Pension Credit
You can apply online, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by requesting a paper form. If you qualify, this one step could unlock hundreds or even thousands of pounds in additional help. - Keep Your Benefit Records Up to Date
If you move house, change bank accounts, or your circumstances change, tell the DWP right away. Out-of-date records can delay or stop payments. - Watch for Payments in Your Bank Account
Cost of Living Payments usually appear with references like “DWP COL” or “DWP Winter Fuel.” Check your bank statements regularly so you don’t miss them.
A Real-Life Example: John and Margaret’s Story
John and Margaret, a retired couple from Manchester, thought they wouldn’t qualify for any extra help because their pensions covered most of their expenses. But after reading about Pension Credit, they decided to check online.
They were surprised to learn that they qualified for just £7 a week in Pension Credit. That small amount made a huge difference because it unlocked:
- The full £300 Winter Fuel Payment
- All three cost of living payments, worth £900 in total
In the end, they received over £1,200 in extra support — all because they took five minutes to check their eligibility.
Final Thoughts
The £310 one-off payment for pensioners in 2025 is not real — it’s just a rumour. But the good news is that there is still plenty of support available. By staying informed and proactive, you could access hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds in financial help.
Start by checking if you qualify for Pension Credit, because this one benefit often acts as the key that unlocks many others. Keep your records updated, watch your bank statements, and do not assume you are not entitled to help.
With the cost of living as high as it is, every bit of extra support counts. And as John and Margaret discovered, even a small weekly payment can lead to big savings and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. What is the DWP £310 one-off payment?
It is a special support payment provided to eligible pensioners to help with rising living costs.
2. Who is eligible for the £310 payment?
Pensioners receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, or other qualifying DWP benefits.
3. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No, eligible pensioners will receive it automatically if they meet the criteria.
4. When will the £310 payment be made?
The DWP will announce the exact payment date, but it is expected this year.
5. How will I receive the payment?
It will be credited directly to your bank account linked to your DWP benefits.
