UK Households to Receive £90 Cost of Living Payment in May – Are You Eligible?
As the cost of daily living continues to put pressure on families across the UK, a new round of support is coming this May. A £90 Cost of Living Payment has been confirmed for eligible households. This small but helpful amount is designed to give people a little extra breathing space during a time of rising bills and expenses. If you’re wondering whether you qualify, when it will arrive, or how it’s being paid, this article covers all the important points in a simple and clear way.
£90 May Cost of Living Payment
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £90 |
| Payment Month | May 2025 |
| Eligibility | Certain benefits or low income status |
| Automatic Payment? | Yes |
| Type of Support | One-off financial help |
Attention Please: What Is the £90 Cost of Living Payment?
The £90 payment is a one-time financial boost to help low-income and vulnerable households manage the rising cost of essentials like food, electricity, and fuel. The UK government recognises that many people are still struggling with bills and inflation, so this small support package is being rolled out to give some relief.
It’s not a loan and it doesn’t need to be repaid. The money is being sent directly to those who are most likely to be affected by rising living costs. It’s meant to provide help without needing any extra paperwork or application.
Who Can Get the £90 Payment?
Not everyone in the UK will receive this payment. The government has targeted the £90 cost of living payment at specific groups of people, mainly those on certain benefits or with low income. To qualify, you typically need to be receiving one or more of the following:
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Universal Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Pension Credit
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Income Support
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
You must have been receiving one of these benefits during a qualifying period, likely sometime in April 2025. Even if your payments were temporarily paused or your income changed, you might still qualify depending on your situation at that time.
When Will the £90 Be Paid?
The government has said that the £90 payment will be made during May 2025. Exact dates can vary slightly, but most people will start to see the money in their accounts from mid-May.
The payment will be sent out automatically, so if you are eligible, you won’t need to apply or contact any department. If your benefit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), that’s who will send your £90 payment. If you only get Tax Credits, the payment may come later in the month through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You should also check your usual payment method to ensure your bank account details are up to date.
How Will You Know You’ve Received the Payment?
When the payment arrives, it will show up in your bank account with a unique reference. It may look something like:
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“DWP COLP” – for those receiving from the DWP
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“HMRC COLP” – for those receiving from HMRC
You won’t receive a letter in the post. Everything is processed electronically, and you’ll only see the payment in your account. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on your balance in mid to late May.
Also, watch out for scams. The government never asks for your bank details by phone or text. If someone contacts you asking for personal details or offering to “help you claim” your payment, it’s most likely a scam. Don’t share your information.
What to Do If You Don’t Get It
If you believe you qualify but don’t see the £90 payment in your account by the end of May, you may need to wait a few more days, as payments can be delayed. After the payment window is over, the government usually provides a way for you to report a missing payment – either through a helpline or an online form.
Before taking any steps, make sure you:
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Were claiming the eligible benefit during the qualifying period
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Check your account and payment references carefully
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Confirm that your details with DWP or HMRC are correct
In many cases, issues get sorted out quickly once the claim is verified.
FAQs – £90 May Cost of Living Payment
1. Will I get the payment if I only receive Housing Benefit?
No, Housing Benefit alone does not qualify. However, if you receive it along with another qualifying benefit, like Pension Credit, you may still be eligible.
2. Is this payment taxable?
No, the £90 cost of living payment is not taxable and will not affect your other benefit payments.
3. Can couples both receive the £90 payment?
No, the payment is typically one per eligible household, not per person. It goes to the main account where benefits are paid.
4. What happens if I recently started claiming benefits?
If you started receiving benefits after the qualifying period, you might not be eligible for this payment. The payment is based on your claim status during a specific time in April.
5. Will there be more payments after this one?
At the moment, there is no official confirmation of future payments. However, depending on the economic situation, more support may be announced later in the year.
Final Thoughts
The £90 Cost of Living Payment might not be huge, but for many families it offers a bit of extra help at the right time. Whether it goes toward groceries, electricity bills, or travel costs, every little bit counts. The good news is that this payment is simple: no forms, no applications, no repayments. If you qualify, you’ll receive it directly in your bank account during May 2025.
If you’re not sure about your eligibility or have questions about your benefits, consider speaking with a local advisor or checking your benefit account online. Staying informed ensures you don’t miss out on any help available to you.