John Hughie
With the cost of living still on the rise in 2025, many UK pensioners are asking: Is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) giving a £310 one-off payment this year? The simple answer is no, there is no officially confirmed £310 payment just for pensioners.
This rumour likely stems from confusion with other Cost of Living Payments announced by the DWP.
Some benefits add up to around £310 when combined, but there is no standalone £310 DWP payment currently confirmed.
However, several real and valuable financial supports are available for pensioners this year. Let’s break them down.
Confirmed Payments for Pensioners in 2025
Here are the real, confirmed support payments available from the DWP:
| Payment Type | Amount | Eligibility | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Payment 1 | £301 | On Pension Credit or low-income benefits | Spring 2025 |
| Cost of Living Payment 2 | £300 | Same as above | Summer 2025 |
| Cost of Living Payment 3 | £299 | Same as above | Autumn 2025 |
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 | Receiving disability-related benefits | Mid-2025 |
| Winter Fuel Payment Extra Support | £150 – £300 | Born before 24 September 1958 | Winter 2025 |
Who Is Eligible for These Payments?
1. Pensioners on Pension Credit
If you receive Pension Credit, you may be eligible for all three main Cost of Living Payments—£301, £300, and £299—adding up to £900 in total. Even if you get just a few pounds per week, it unlocks access to:
- Free NHS dental and vision care
- Council tax discounts
- Winter Fuel Payment bonus
- Cold Weather Payments
- Free TV licence (if over 75)
Many pensioners miss out simply because they haven’t checked their eligibility.
2. Pensioners on Disability Benefits
Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)? You qualify for an extra £150 payment in 2025.
Ensure your benefit is active during the qualifying week, usually announced a few months ahead.
3. Winter Fuel Payment Recipients
Pensioners born before 24 September 1958 may qualify for £150 to £300 in additional winter support.
But here’s the catch—the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested. You must now be receiving a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit. If not, you’ll need to apply manually to claim it.
How to Claim These Payments
The secret to unlocking most of these benefits? Pension Credit.
Steps to Check and Apply:
- Use the Pension Credit Calculator on the official GOV.UK site.
- Apply Online, via phone (0800 99 1234), or by requesting a paper form.
- Keep your records updated with DWP to avoid delays or missed payments.
Payments are non-taxable, won’t affect other benefits, and are paid directly to your bank account.
Real-Life Example:
John and Margaret from Manchester applied for Pension Credit and received just £7 per week. That small amount qualified them for:
- £900 in Cost of Living Payments
- £300 Winter Fuel Payment
- Free NHS treatments and TV licence
- Council Tax reduction
They gained over £1,200 in total annual support.
While there’s no confirmed £310 one-off DWP payment for pensioners in 2025, multiple confirmed schemes can offer much more—especially if you qualify for Pension Credit.
With new rules around means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, taking action now is vital. Don’t lose out simply because you didn’t apply.
FAQs
Is there really a £310 one-off payment for pensioners from the DWP in 2025?
No, the DWP has not confirmed any specific £310 one-off payment for pensioners. This figure likely comes from combining other benefits.
Who qualifies for the full £900 Cost of Living Payments?
Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or low-income benefits are eligible for the full £900 spread over three payments in 2025.
Has the Winter Fuel Payment changed in 2025?
Yes, it is now means-tested. Pensioners not receiving Pension Credit must apply manually to get the extra £150–£300 support.
