If you’ve heard about a possible £310 one-off payment for pensioners from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you’re not alone. With the cost of living continuing to rise in 2025—fuel prices climbing, grocery costs going up, and bills getting tougher to manage—many older adults are hoping for some extra support.
While a £310 payment has not been officially confirmed, there are still several confirmed payments available that can provide real help. This guide explains what’s true, what’s speculation, and how you can make sure you or your loved ones receive the support you qualify for.
Overview
The £310 figure has appeared in headlines and online forums, but the government has not officially confirmed any one-off £310 payment specifically for pensioners. This number may be based on other similar payments or updates from past cost of living schemes.
In 2025, the government has continued to roll out support through a combination of seasonal and targeted payments for people on low incomes, including many pensioners.
Here’s a quick look at confirmed 2025 payments:
| Payment Type | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Cost of Living | £301 | Spring 2025 |
| Summer Cost of Living | £300 | Summer 2025 |
| Autumn Cost of Living | £299 | Autumn 2025 |
| Disability Payment | £150 | Various dates |
| Pensioner Winter Payment | £150–£300 | Winter 2025 |
These payments can add up to more than £900 for those who qualify for multiple categories.
Eligibility
To receive one or more of the confirmed cost of living payments, individuals must be receiving specific benefits during the qualifying period. These include:
1. Means-Tested Benefits
If you receive any of the following, you may qualify:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
Many pensioners believe they’re not eligible for Pension Credit, but even a small amount—sometimes as little as £1 per week—can unlock hundreds of pounds in support.
2. Disability Benefits
The £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment is for people who receive:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
This payment is issued automatically if you received a qualifying benefit during the specified window.
3. Pensioner Winter Payment
This is added to your Winter Fuel Payment and is usually between £150 and £300. To qualify, you must:
- Have been born on or before 24 September 1958
- Have lived in the UK during the qualifying week (usually late September)
Winter Fuel
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is that the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested. This is a significant shift—millions of pensioners who previously received this support may no longer be eligible unless they are also claiming income-based benefits like Pension Credit.
This has created a serious gap, with an estimated 780,000 pensioners potentially missing out simply because they haven’t applied for Pension Credit.
How to Apply
Don’t leave money on the table. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting what you’re owed:
Step 1
Use the Pension Credit calculator on the official gov.uk website. It’s fast and anonymous. Even small entitlements can unlock major benefits.
Step 2
You can apply online, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by requesting a paper form. If you qualify, you may also get backdated payments.
Step 3
Most payments are made automatically if you’re receiving the right benefits. Look at your bank statements for references such as “DWP COL.”
Step 4
Outdated or incorrect details can delay or block payments. Make sure your records with the DWP are accurate, including address, bank information, and benefit status.
Real Story
John and Margaret, a retired couple in Manchester, assumed they wouldn’t qualify for Pension Credit. But after checking online, they discovered they were eligible for a £7 weekly top-up. That small amount made them eligible for over £1,200 in cost of living support.
Their case is not unusual. Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be in a similar position and miss out just because they haven’t checked.
While the £310 one-off payment for pensioners is not yet confirmed, the government’s current support package for 2025 can still offer substantial help. With multiple confirmed payments, including seasonal cost of living support, disability help, and Winter Fuel Payments, qualifying pensioners can receive well over £900 this year.
The most important step you can take right now is to check your eligibility for Pension Credit. Doing so could unlock support that makes a real difference in your day-to-day life.
FAQs
Is the £310 payment confirmed?
No, the DWP has not confirmed any £310 payment for pensioners.
How much support can pensioners get in 2025?
Over £900 if they qualify for all confirmed cost of living payments.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment change?
It is now means-tested. Only pensioners on income-based benefits qualify.
Do I need to apply for cost of living payments?
Most are automatic, but Pension Credit must be applied for separately.
Can small Pension Credit awards still help?
Yes, even small top-ups can unlock full cost of living payments.
