In recent months, there has been widespread online speculation about a new £325 Universal Credit payment. This rumour has appeared on social media platforms, discussion forums, and even in articles with misleading headlines, causing significant confusion among benefit recipients across the UK. As the cost of living crisis continues to place pressure on households, it’s not surprising that such claims quickly gain attention.
People are naturally seeking support to manage rising food prices, energy bills, and rent, and a government-backed payment like £325 would appear to offer some much-needed relief. However, as of now, there is no official confirmation from the UK Government or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that such a payment is due or planned for 2025.
The current conversation surrounding this payment appears to stem from a misunderstanding of previous government-issued cost of living payments, particularly the £324 payment made in November 2022, which many refer to incorrectly as £325.
Was There Ever a Real £325 Universal Credit Payment?
Contrary to what some social media posts suggest, there has never been an official cost of living payment of exactly £325. However, the confusion likely arises from the actual £324 payment that formed the second half of the £650 Cost of Living Payment issued in 2022. This package was introduced in response to the economic challenges brought on by high inflation and energy price surges.
The payment was issued in two installments to those receiving means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit. The first payment of £326 was disbursed in July 2022, followed by the second payment of £324, which was made between 8 and 23 November 2022 for most eligible recipients.
While the figure £325 has circulated widely, the official amount paid was £324. This amount was clearly stated on GOV.UK and in DWP communications at the time.
Breakdown of 2022 Payment Schedule
| Payment | Amount | Payment Window | Eligibility Based on |
| First Cost of Living Payment | £326 | July 2022 | Universal Credit or other qualifying benefit |
| Second Cost of Living Payment | £324 | 8 – 23 November 2022 | UC assessment period ending between 26 Aug – 25 Sept 2022 |
These two payments totalled £650 and were part of a broader government scheme to provide support to low-income households across the UK.
Who Was Eligible for the £324 Cost of Living Payment in 2022?
To be eligible for the £324 payment in November 2022, claimants had to be receiving one of the qualifying means-tested benefits during a specific assessment period. This included those who were entitled to a payment of Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended between 26 August and 25 September 2022.
Eligible benefits included:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Claimants receiving only New Style JSA, New Style ESA, or Contributory ESA were not eligible, as these are not means-tested.
The payment was made automatically, and there was no need to apply. It appeared in bank statements under a reference such as DWP COL or HMRC COLS, depending on the issuing authority.
Is the Government Planning a New £325 Universal Credit Payment in 2025?
As of November 2025, there is no indication from the UK Government or the DWP that a new £325 Universal Credit payment will be issued. Despite online rumours, no official statement, budget announcement, or policy document mentions a payment of this kind being scheduled for the current or upcoming year.
The last confirmed Cost of Living Payment was £299, issued in early 2024, and was part of a continuing series of installments aimed at supporting those on low-income benefits and tax credits. The government has shifted its focus toward long-term solutions such as uprating benefits with inflation, offering local council hardship funds, and supporting energy efficiency initiatives.
Any new payment schemes would typically be announced during a Budget Statement, via the GOV.UK website, or through official DWP press releases. It is important to verify such news through trusted sources, rather than relying on social media headlines or unofficial blogs.
Why Do So Many People Believe the £325 Payment Is Real?
The widespread belief in a £325 payment is likely due to a combination of factors. Firstly, there is a common confusion between the £324 payment from 2022 and the speculative £325 figure. Many people refer to the former by rounding it up, unintentionally creating and reinforcing misinformation.
Secondly, with the cost of living still high and financial pressures mounting, people are more inclined to hope that such support is being renewed. In times of hardship, misinformation tends to spread more quickly, especially when it promises potential financial help.
Articles with titles like “DWP to issue new £325 Universal Credit boost this winter” often drive traffic but lack any factual basis. These are typically clickbait headlines, crafted to draw in readers without offering genuine or accurate information.
How Can You Verify If You’re Eligible for Any Ongoing Support?
If you’re unsure whether you were eligible for past cost of living payments or want to know if you’re entitled to other forms of support, the best place to check is the official GOV.UK website. They provide detailed guidance on:
- Eligibility for past and future cost of living payments
- Your benefit status and assessment period
- Additional schemes such as Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and Cold Weather Payments
For Universal Credit recipients, you can also log in to your online account to check payment histories and messages from the DWP.
If you believe you should have received a payment but didn’t, there are also government tools to report a missing cost of living payment.
Are There Other Forms of Support Available in 2025?
Yes, while a new £325 payment is not on the horizon, several support schemes remain active to help those struggling with day-to-day costs. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
| Support Scheme | Description | Availability |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 off electricity bill for eligible households | Autumn/Winter each year |
| Winter Fuel Payment | For pensioner households to help with heating costs | Automatically for those eligible |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per week during extreme cold weather (for certain benefits) | Triggered by temperature |
| Council Tax Support | Reduction in council tax bills for low-income residents | Apply via local council |
| Household Support Fund | Emergency help with energy, food and other essentials | Available in some councils |
It’s important to contact your local authority or Citizens Advice if you need help accessing these schemes. Many councils offer Discretionary Housing Payments or Emergency Assistance Grants that can be used to cover rent arrears, utility debts, or urgent household needs.
What Should You Do If You’re Still Struggling Financially?
If you’re facing financial difficulty, there are several steps you can take beyond waiting for one-off payments:
- Reach out to Citizens Advice for budgeting help and to check benefit entitlement
- Request an advance on Universal Credit, though this must be repaid
- Apply for Hardship Payments if your benefits have been sanctioned
- Contact your energy provider to ask about support schemes or payment plans
- Use local food banks or community fridges for emergency food supplies
While these options may not replace the reassurance of a lump-sum payment like the cost of living support, they can provide short-term relief and help you navigate financial challenges.
Conclusion – Is the £325 Universal Credit Payment Real or Rumour?
In summary, there is no current or upcoming £325 Universal Credit payment confirmed by the DWP. The figure is often misattributed to the £324 cost of living payment made in 2022. While it’s understandable that people hope for more government support during challenging times, it’s important to rely on accurate, verified sources to avoid disappointment.
If you are facing financial difficulties, there are still several avenues for support through your local council, benefit entitlements, and energy assistance programmes. The UK Government has not ruled out future interventions, but as of now, no new payments have been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Universal Credit £325 Payment
Was there an actual £325 Universal Credit payment issued by the DWP?
No, the DWP never issued a £325 payment. The second Cost of Living Payment in 2022 was £324, which is often misquoted as £325.
Are there any confirmed cost of living payments coming in 2025?
At this time, there are no confirmed cost of living payments scheduled for 2025.
How can I check if I qualified for past payments?
You can use the Cost of Living Payment checker on GOV.UK to review eligibility based on the benefits you received and your assessment period.
Why wasn’t I eligible for the 2022 payments if I was on ESA?
Only those on income-related ESA were eligible. If you were receiving contribution-based ESA or New Style ESA, you would not have qualified.
Can I still apply for the £324 or £301 payments?
No, these were time-bound payments issued automatically. If you were not eligible during the qualifying period, you cannot apply retroactively.
What support can I get if I’m not eligible for cost of living payments?
You may still qualify for other forms of assistance such as local council funds, energy support, or food vouchers.
Where should I go for accurate updates on future support schemes?
The most reliable source is GOV.UK, followed by national media outlets like BBC or The Guardian. Avoid unofficial news sources and viral social media posts.
