DWP £799 Cost of Living Vouchers: In today’s article, we will talk about a very important government scheme called – DWP £799 Cost of Living Voucher.
The UK government has recently implemented new assistance schemes for those families and people who are still struggling with rising inflation and the expenses of everyday needs.
In the last few years, you must have seen that a lump sum cost of living payment was given by the Department for Work and Pensions i.e. DWP. These payments used to reach the accounts of all eligible families in certain months every year.
But now this old scheme is over. Many people feel that now they are not getting any help from the government. Whereas the reality is that the method of assistance has changed, but assistance continues to be received.
So let’s know about this new scheme in detail:
What is the DWP £799 Cost of Living Voucher?
In previous years, lump sum amounts like £299, £301, and £324 were given by the DWP to help families deal with rising inflation, electricity bills and everyday expenses.
Now in July 2025, vouchers of £799 are being distributed directly under the new scheme of the DWP.
However, there is no longer a scheme with a “same amount for all” like before. Now the government has started distributing it through local councils and focusing on the needy.
Apart from this, if you are taking Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other income-based benefits, then you can also get this help.
When will you get the DWP £799 voucher?
Now, like before, everyone does not get money directly in the bank on the same date. Rather, payments are now being made in three separate phases:
- March to May 2025 – £301
- July to August 2025 – £200
- October to December 2025 – Final phase, up to £500 in total
This means that this time the assistance is being given in installments and your local council will decide when and how to provide assistance.
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund is the largest part of this scheme. The government has extended this fund till 31 March 2026 and for this £742 million fund has been given to local councils.
The purpose of this is that every council should make a plan according to the needs of its area. Such as:
- Giving supermarket vouchers to poor families
- Help with electricity and gas bills
- Giving council tax discounts
- Direct cash assistance
For example, Doncaster Council has already announced that they will give food support payments to families with children in July 2025.
It is not necessary that you join any benefit scheme. Many councils also provide this assistance to low-income workers who are not claiming benefits, but are still struggling with expenses.
What is the eligibility?
If you were eligible for Cost of Living Payment last year i.e. in 2023, then you can get help this time too.
You must be eligible for income-based benefits including:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
Or tax credits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Certain categories of people receiving disability benefits may also get an extra payment:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carers caring for an elderly or disabled person
- Medical equipment-dependent households
The good news is there’s no need to apply for this. If you’re eligible and your details are correct on record, the money will go straight into your bank account.
Read more: DWP Cash ISA Warning: Millions at Risk of Losing Out if They Miss This!
Is there any other help available?
In addition, the government is also providing some other support:
- Summer payments of £200–£300 will be available to those who fall under Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Related JSA/ESA, Tax Credits and Housing Benefits.
- Some lump-sum support may also be available to pensioners, carers, or low-income families.
- Benefit rates have also been increased from April 2025, which will provide some relief to those taking Universal Credit.
- The DWP has also said that the work of transferring old benefits to Universal Credit will be completed by January 2026.
Do you have to do anything?
People often ask this question, do we have to fill some forms?
So the answer is: do not do much.
- Just make sure that your bank account details and contact information are updated.
- If you are already taking benefits, check your records once.
- If you are not on Universal Credit or other eligible benefits but are still facing financial difficulties, contact your local council. Sometimes the council also provides some additional help.
Conclusion
Friends, in this article, we learned how DWP £799 Cost of Living Vouchers are being given, who is eligible, when the money will be received, and what you have to do.
The format of the scheme has changed a bit, but the support from the government is still continuing. If you are on a benefit scheme or your income is low, then you can definitely be eligible for these vouchers.
If you need more information, you can get information by visiting the website of DWP or your local council.
