£300 Second Cost of Living Payment in June 2025 – What UK Residents Need to Know

£300 Second Cost of Living Payment: With living costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets across the UK, many residents are keeping an eye out for the next round of government support. One topic generating widespread interest is the possibility of a £300 Second Cost of Living Payment in June 2025. These payments have previously offered crucial assistance to people on low incomes, helping them manage essentials such as food, energy, and rent.

However, as of now, the UK government has not confirmed any new £300 payment for June. Instead, several alternative support schemes remain in place to help struggling households. This article outlines the status of the second payment, details on existing aid programs, and how residents can access help during difficult times.

Second Cost of Living Payment

There is currently no official £300 Second Cost of Living Payment scheduled for June 2025. The confusion arises because of past payments made under the 2025/2026 Cost of Living support plan, which included three instalments totaling £900. These payments were aimed at those receiving means-tested benefits and were spread out across the financial year to provide ongoing relief.

Although many are hopeful for a fresh round of support, no update has been made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Treasury regarding an June installment. Still, residents should be aware that other financial assistance options are available through local councils and energy-related schemes.

Overview Table – Cost of Living Support 2025

Support Type	Details
£300 Second Cost of Living Payment	Not scheduled for June 2025
Previous Payments	£301 (Spring 2025), £300 (Nov 2025), £299 (Spring 2026)
Eligibility	Based on means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit)
Alternative Support Available	Yes – Household Support Fund, energy bill support
Household Support Fund Deadline	Extended until March 31, 2025
Energy Assistance Programs	Warm Home Discount, ECO4, local grants
Application Method	Via local councils and government portals
Advice and Guidance	Citizens Advice, GOV.UK, StepChange

Breakdown of Previous Cost of Living Support

The most recent Cost of Living support package provided £900 in total across three payments:

• First Payment (£301): Issued in Spring 2025
  
• Second Payment (£300): Paid in November 2025
  
• Third Payment (£299): Scheduled for Spring 2026
  

Eligibility was tied to receiving qualifying benefits during a specific assessment period. These benefits included:

• Universal Credit
  
• Pension Credit
  
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  
• Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
  

Recipients didn’t need to apply separately, as payments were made automatically to eligible individuals.

Alternative Financial Support in June 2025

While the £300 payment won’t be issued in June, several ongoing financial support schemes are still in place. These alternatives are valuable resources for households in need of help with essential expenses.

Household Support Fund (HSF)

The Household Support Fund, extended until March 2025, offers local-level financial aid. Managed by councils, it supports residents with urgent needs such as:

• Food and groceries
  
• Energy and utility bills
  
• Essential household items
  

The fund varies by region, with each council setting its own rules and application deadlines. For example, Cheshire West and Chester Council provides up to £200 per household, with applications accepted until the end of March.

To apply, residents should visit their local council’s website for eligibility guidelines and application procedures.

Energy Bill Support Programs

As energy bills remain a major concern, the UK government continues to offer energy-related financial assistance. These programs are designed to reduce the burden of heating costs and prevent disconnections.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Eligible residents receive a discount on their electricity bill, often applied automatically. It is available to:

• People on Pension Credit Guarantee
  
• Individuals with low income and high energy costs
  

ECO4 Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) supports home energy efficiency improvements for low-income households. It may cover the cost of:

• Insulation upgrades
  
• Boiler replacements
  
• Smart heating controls
  

Local Energy Grants

Some councils and local groups provide energy vouchers or direct financial aid. Contacting your local authority or energy provider is the best way to explore current options.

How to Stay Informed and Access Support

To avoid missing out on any upcoming payments or new schemes, residents should take these steps:

• Visit GOV.UK regularly for announcements on benefits or funding extensions
  
• Check local council websites for area-specific support like HSF or energy aid
  
• Contact Citizens Advice or similar organisations for free advice on navigating government systems
  

Because many programs have strict deadlines or operate on a first-come, first-served basis, early action is vital.

Budgeting and Additional Resources

In times of financial uncertainty, using multiple support channels and effective budgeting can significantly ease daily stress. Consider these additional resources:

Food Assistance

Local food banks and community pantries offer groceries and essential supplies to those in need.

Housing Aid

Discretionary Housing Payments may help cover rent shortfalls for those receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Council Tax Support

Apply for Council Tax Reduction Schemes to lower monthly bills, especially if you’re unemployed or on a low income.

Emergency Grants

Charities and nonprofits may offer small emergency grants for things like medical equipment, travel, or child-related expenses. These are typically one-time payments, but they can be life-changing in urgent situations.

Conclusion

While there is no £300 Second Cost of Living Payment scheduled for June 2025, UK residents still have access to meaningful financial support through various government and local schemes. From the Household Support Fund to energy discount programs, a range of tools exists to help manage the increasing cost of essentials.

The key is staying informed, acting early, and exploring all avenues of help available. Whether through council websites, benefit portals, or community organisations, support is within reach for those who seek it. Take advantage of expert advice from trusted sources like Citizens Advice and StepChange, and monitor updates on GOV.UK for new announcements.

FAQs – Second Cost of Living Payment