By Linda Howard

Copyright cambridge-news

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed earlier this year that there are no plans to issue any more cost of living payments in 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, the DWP issued a series of one-off payments to help people cope with the cost of living crisis as energy bills and inflation soared to record-breaking levels.

However, in a fresh update on the dedicated Cost of Living Payments page on GOV.UK, the DWP explains that a computer programme was used to identify eligible claimants for payments. People who did not receive any of the one-off payouts, but believe they should have, can now “contact the office that pays your benefit to discuss it”.

The update states: “DWP uses a solely automated system to identify and pay those eligible to receive a Cost of Living Payment. If you are not content with this decision you can contact us to ask us to explain how the decision was made. You, or someone who has authority to act for you, can do this by writing to or phoning the office who pays your qualifying benefit.”

The guidance continues: “Tell us if you think we have overlooked something, or you have more information which might change the decision. You can do this by phoning the office that pays for your qualifying benefit.”

A complete list of all the Cost of Living Payments issued by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), along with the qualifying period for entitlement, can be found on GOV.UK, reports the Daily Record.

These included:

Low income cost of living payments for people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Tax Credits Disability cost of living payments – for people on disability benefits Pension cost of living payments – for people over State Pension age

Energy bills are set to increase on October 1 and fluctuating inflation rates mean people are still paying more for everyday food items, clothing and fuel.

However, many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax. Setting aside 10 minutes to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure going into summer.

People on a low income could be entitled to a saving of up to £850 a year through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is only available north of the border. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show nearly half a million households (one in five) were eligible for a Council Tax Reduction in July – full details on how to claim can be found here.

Older people on a low income may be entitled to an income boost, worth on average £4,300, through Pension Credit. The latest figures from the DWP suggest 760,000 people are eligible for the means-tested benefit but not claiming it.

Some pensioners think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.

How to check eligibility for Pension Credit

Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.

Expert help and advice is also available from:

Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK

More details about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

People under State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.

People over State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period.

An online benefits calculator isn’t a magic wand to wave away money worries, but it can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim – but it’s up to you to actually make the application.

Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?

There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for.

You should check if:

you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill health you are of working age on a low income You are over State Pension age on a low income you have been made redundant you are looking for work you are raising a family you have a child who is disabled or has a health condition you are disabled or have a health condition you’re caring for someone you have lost a loved one

Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose.

In just a few minutes, you could discover how much extra support you may be eligible to claim. Simply enter details about yourself, your residential status, your employment status and any savings you have.

You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:

What benefits you could get How to claim How your benefits will be affected if you start work