This June 2025, millions of households across the UK may receive a £200 cost of living payment—even if they are not currently receiving government benefits.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader cost-of-living support strategy to help low-income and struggling households manage rising expenses related to food, energy, and essentials.
The standout feature of this payment? Eligibility does not require claiming Universal Credit or other benefits. This means more people—including the working poor, part-time workers, and low-income families—could qualify.
Who Can Get the £200 Cost of Living Payment?
The eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on your local council, but general guidelines include:
- UK residency and living in the applicable council area.
- Household financial hardship, especially related to rent, food, energy bills, or childcare.
- Low income or working part-time jobs.
- Savings below a specific limit, often less than £2,000.
You do not need to be on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other welfare schemes to apply. Each council runs its own version of this scheme, so checking with your local authority is essential.
How and When to Apply
Applications for the £200 payment are now open in many areas, with payments expected to be distributed in June 2025. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Visit Your Local Council’s Website – Search for “Household Support Fund” or “cost of living support” on your council’s site.
- Complete the Application Form – This will require proof of income, rent or housing details, and possibly identity documents.
- Submit and Wait for Confirmation – Councils aim to process applications within a few weeks, with payments following soon after approval.
Some councils may issue payments automatically to households already receiving certain council tax or energy-related support.
Payment Format and Purpose
The £200 payment may be delivered in different ways:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Directly deposited into the applicant’s nominated bank account. |
| Food or Energy Vouchers | Used for supermarkets or gas/electric bills. |
| Prepaid Cards | Usable for essentials and allocated with set spending limits. |
The goal is to cover basic household expenses, especially for families struggling to balance wages with high utility and grocery costs.
Who Will Benefit Most?
This £200 support payment is particularly aimed at:
- Single parents or low-income families not on benefits.
- Elderly individuals with small private pensions or no additional support.
- Part-time workers with irregular hours.
- Disabled individuals not receiving higher-rate benefits.
- Young adults and students living independently under financial stress.
Even if you’re unsure of your eligibility, it’s worth applying—many councils are working with flexible criteria to help more people.
Wider Economic Impact of the Payment
The UK continues to face inflationary pressure, particularly on food and energy prices. By offering this payment to non-benefit recipients, the government aims to:
- Increase household disposable income
- Prevent more people from falling into debt or arrears
- Ease pressure on food banks and emergency support charities
- Promote economic activity by boosting short-term spending
This one-off payment is not taxable and will not affect any other benefits you may be receiving.
The £200 June 2025 Cost of Living Payment is a critical form of relief during a time of ongoing economic pressure. Unlike previous rounds of support limited to benefit recipients, this scheme is open to a wider group, providing crucial help to those often overlooked.
If you’re experiencing financial strain—even if you’re not on benefits—now is the time to check with your local council and submit your application. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive extra support when it’s needed most.
FAQs
Do I need to be on Universal Credit or benefits to qualify?
No, you can still qualify even if you are not claiming any benefits. The focus is on financial need, not benefit status.
How will I receive the payment?
It depends on your council. Some may provide a bank transfer, while others may issue vouchers or prepaid cards for essentials.
Can I apply if I’ve already received cost of living support before?
Yes, in many cases you can still apply, especially if your circumstances have changed. Each council will have its own rules about repeat applications.