With the cost of living climbing in 2025, pensioners across the UK are asking the same question: Is a new £310 one-off payment coming from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)?
Social media chatter has spread the claim, but the reality is more complex. While there is no official confirmation of a £310 one-off payment, there are several other confirmed support measures that will deliver hundreds of pounds in relief to low-income households and retirees.
This guide breaks down what’s real, what’s speculation, and how pensioners can ensure they receive every penny they are entitled to.
The £310 Payment – Where Did It Come From?
So far, the government has not announced a £310 one-off pensioner payment for 2025. The number likely comes from online speculation or confusion with other payments that total a similar figure.
Instead, the DWP has confirmed several cost of living support packages for 2025, including payments of £301, £300, £299, plus additional help for those on disability benefits and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Confirmed 2025 DWP Cost of Living Payments
The government has laid out clear support packages for pensioners and low-income households:
- £301 in Spring 2025
- £300 in Summer 2025
- £299 in Autumn 2025
- £150 Disability Payment (for those on disability-related benefits)
- £150–£300 Pensioner Top-Up (added to the Winter Fuel Payment)
These payments are:
- Automatic – no application needed if you already receive qualifying benefits.
- Non-taxable – they won’t reduce or affect your benefits.
- Designed to target the most vulnerable households.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
Eligibility depends on the type of benefits you receive.
1. Low-Income & Means-Tested Benefits
You may qualify if you receive:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
Even a small amount of Pension Credit can unlock all other support, so it’s vital to check eligibility.
2. Disability Benefit Recipients
If you receive:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Attendance Allowance
- DLA (Disability Living Allowance)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
…you could qualify for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.
3. Pensioner Winter Fuel Payment Boost
In 2025, those born on or before 24 September 1958 could qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. This includes an extra £150–£300 top-up for pensioners, but only if they meet means-tested eligibility rules.
The Winter Fuel Payment Rule Change
A major shift occurred in 2024: the Winter Fuel Payment became means-tested.
- Before 2024 – it was universal for all pensioners.
- From 2024 onward – only those on qualifying benefits (like Pension Credit) receive it automatically.
This change means an estimated 780,000 pensioners risk missing out simply because they haven’t applied for Pension Credit.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out
To secure all available payments in 2025, pensioners should:
- Check Pension Credit Eligibility
Use the official GOV.UK calculator to see if you qualify—even small awards matter. - Apply for Pension Credit
Applications can be made online, by phone (0800 99 1234), or via a paper form. - Keep Benefit Records Updated
Log into your DWP account or call the helpline to ensure details are correct. - Monitor Bank Statements
Look for payment references like “DWP COL” or “DWP Winter Fuel.”
A Real-Life Example: John and Margaret
John and Margaret, a retired couple from Manchester, thought they were ineligible for extra support. After a quick online check, they applied for Pension Credit and were awarded just £7 per week.
That small amount unlocked:
- The full £300 Winter Fuel Payment
- All three cost of living payments (£301 + £300 + £299 = £900)
In total, they received over £1,200 in extra income simply by applying.
Why the £310 Rumour Matters
The rumoured £310 payment may not exist, but it highlights an important truth: many pensioners are unaware of what they’re entitled to. By staying proactive, thousands of retirees can access real support worth far more than £310.
FAQs: £310 Pensioner Payment 2025
1. Is the £310 pensioner payment real?
No, the government has not announced a one-off £310 payment. It likely stems from confusion online.
2. What payments are confirmed for 2025?
Confirmed payments include £301, £300, £299, a £150 disability payment, and a £150–£300 Winter Fuel top-up.
3. Who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment?
Pensioners born on or before 24 September 1958 may qualify, but since 2024 it is means-tested. Those on Pension Credit or other income-based benefits qualify automatically.
4. How do I check if I can get Pension Credit?
You can use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call the DWP helpline to verify eligibility.
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5. Why is Pension Credit so important?
Even a small amount unlocks access to multiple other benefits, including cost of living payments and the Winter Fuel Payment.