The £375 Cost of Living Payment in the UK has been a topic of interest for many households facing rising expenses. This payment aims to provide extra financial help to people dealing with higher costs for essentials like food, energy bills, and transport.
Note: The main national Cost of Living Payment scheme from the UK government ran between 2022 and 2024, with the final instalment of £299 paid in early 2024. No new nationwide lump-sum payments like £375 are planned for 2025 or 2026, according to official GOV.UK guidance. However, some local councils and targeted schemes offer similar one-off grants (often around £375 or other amounts) to support low-income families, especially through funds like the Household Support Fund or local discretionary aid.
This article explains what the £375 payment (or similar support) involves, who might qualify, how it works, and other ways to get help in the current year.
What Is the Cost of Living Payment?
The Cost of Living Payment is extra money from the government or local authorities to ease the burden of increased living expenses. It started during periods of high inflation and energy price rises.
In the past, the national scheme provided multiple payments:
- £326 in 2022
- £324 in 2022
- £301 in 2023
- £300 in 2023
- £299 in 2024 (the last one)
These were automatic for eligible people on certain benefits. The £375 figure often appears in discussions about local council grants or combined support packages in 2025, where some areas provide targeted cash help to struggling households.
Unlike the old national payments, many current options are smaller, local, and require an application in some cases.
Who Can Get the £375 or Similar Support?
Eligibility varies depending on whether it’s a local scheme or tied to benefits.
For national legacy payments (now closed):
- People on low-income benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), or Pension Credit.
- Those on tax credits in specific periods.
- Payments were automatic—no application needed—if you met the rules during set assessment dates.
For current local £375-style payments in 2025/2026:
- Often aimed at low-income households, including those not on main benefits but facing hardship (e.g., high energy or food costs).
- Some councils give priority to families with children, pensioners, or disabled people.
- Examples include grants from local Household Support Funds, where amounts like £375 (for households with kids) or lower (e.g., £175) are offered.
- Pensioners on Pension Credit may access extra help, including Winter Fuel Payments or other top-ups.
To qualify for most local aid:
- You live in the council area offering the grant.
- Your income is below a certain level or you have proof of financial struggle (like arrears on bills).
- Some schemes target specific groups, such as those with young children or in fuel poverty.
Always check your local council website for exact rules, as they differ by area.
Payment Amounts and Schedule
National payments were fixed amounts paid in stages. The £375 often refers to:
- Targeted local grants (e.g., £375 for families with children in some council schemes).
- Or sometimes combined support from different sources.
Typical schedule for local payments (2025 examples):
- Applications open in certain months (e.g., early spring or winter).
- Payments made by bank transfer within weeks of approval (often 10–20 working days).
- Funds usually run until a set date or until money runs out.
Since national payments ended in February 2024, no fixed dates exist for a £375 national payout. Local schemes announce their own timelines—check your council regularly.
How to Claim the Payment
The best part of many past national payments? They were automatic. If you qualified, the money appeared in your usual benefit bank account, often labelled as a government support payment.
For local £375 grants today:
- Visit your local council’s website and search for “cost of living support,” “household support fund,” or “cost of living grant.”
- Fill in an online application form (may need evidence like bank statements, bill arrears, or proof of income).
- Submit before any deadline—funds are limited.
- If approved, expect payment directly to your bank account.
If you’re on benefits but unsure, contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or check your benefit statement. For Pension Credit, apply via GOV.UK if you think you qualify—it can unlock other help.
No separate claim was needed for the old national scheme, but proactive checks are key now.
Related Support Schemes
Beyond the £375 idea, other help includes:
- Pension Credit — Extra money for pensioners with low income; it often brings access to more benefits.
- Warm Home Discount — £150 off electricity bills for eligible households.
- Household Support Fund — Local council money for essentials (vouchers, grants, or bills help).
- Benefits and allowances — Universal Credit, disability payments, or housing support.
- Energy bill help — Schemes like the Energy Bills Support Scheme (past) or ongoing reductions.
These provide ongoing or seasonal aid rather than one-time payments.
Common Questions About the £375 Payment
Is the £375 payment automatic?
For most local schemes—no, you usually apply. National ones were automatic but have ended.
What if I miss the deadline?
Funds are limited, so apply early. Some councils reopen schemes.
Beware of scams
The government never asks for personal details via unsolicited calls or messages for these payments. Only use official GOV.UK or council sites.
Can I get it if I’m not on benefits?
Yes, some local grants help working households in hardship.
Conclusion
While the national £375 Cost of Living Payment isn’t available as a new nationwide scheme in 2025 or 2026, targeted local support around this amount continues to help many UK households. The focus has shifted from broad automatic payments to more specific aid through councils and benefits like Pension Credit.
If you’re struggling with costs, act now—check your local council’s support page, review your benefits eligibility on GOV.UK, or speak to advice services. Small grants can make a big difference for bills, food, or emergencies. Stay informed via trusted official sources to avoid missing out or falling for scams.
Financial pressures remain real for many, but combining available help can ease the load. Take time to explore what applies to you—extra support is still out there.