The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a £600 one-off Cost of Living Payment will be issued in February 2026 to support low-income households across the UK.
The payment is targeted at people receiving means-tested benefits, Pension Credit and certain disability-related support during a specified qualifying period. It will be paid automatically, with no application required.
The £600 payment will be tax-free, will not affect existing benefits, and will be issued separately from normal benefit payments. Full qualifying dates are expected to be confirmed closer to the payment window.
Why the £600 Payment Is Being Issued
Although inflation has eased from its peak, many households across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continue to face pressure from:
- Higher grocery prices
- Increased rents and housing costs
- Winter energy bills
- Rising everyday expenses
February is traditionally one of the most financially challenging months of the year, following post-Christmas spending and ongoing heating costs.
The government says the February 2026 payment is designed to provide direct support during this period of sustained financial strain.
Who Is Eligible for the £600 Cost of Living Payment?
Eligibility will depend on receiving certain means-tested benefits during a defined qualifying period, which will be formally announced by DWP before payments begin.
Expected qualifying benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Anyone entitled to one of these benefits during the official qualifying window is expected to receive the £600 automatically.
Universal Credit: What Claimants Need to Know
For Universal Credit claimants, eligibility is typically linked to receiving at least one payment during the qualifying assessment period.
Even a small payment may count.
However, if a claimant’s award is reduced to £0 during the qualifying window — for example due to earnings or sanctions — they may not qualify.
Claimants are advised to check their monthly statements carefully once qualifying dates are announced.
Pensioners and Pension Credit
People over State Pension age who receive Pension Credit are expected to qualify.
A significant number of pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit but do not claim it. Claiming before the qualifying period closes could determine eligibility for the £600 payment.
Pension Credit also unlocks access to:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Free TV licence (for over 75s on Pension Credit)
Checking entitlement via GOV.UK could be financially beneficial beyond the £600 payment.
Disability Benefit Claimants
Previous Cost of Living packages included payments for individuals receiving disability benefits such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
Whether a disability-specific element forms part of the February 2026 scheme will be confirmed in official guidance.
If included, payments would likely follow the same automatic structure as previous schemes.
When Will the £600 Be Paid?
The DWP has confirmed payments are scheduled for February 2026.
However, payments are normally issued over several weeks, rather than on one single day.
This means:
- Different households will receive the money on different dates
- Payment timing may vary by benefit type
- There may be staggered processing windows
If a payment is missing after the official window closes, DWP will publish instructions on how to report it.
How the Payment Will Be Made
The £600 will be:
- Paid directly into the same bank account used for benefits
- Issued as a separate one-off payment
- Clearly labelled as a Cost of Living payment reference
It will not replace, delay or merge with regular benefit payments.
No cheque or voucher system is expected.
Do You Need to Apply?
No.
If you qualify during the official assessment period, the payment will be made automatically.
There is:
- No online form
- No registration process
- No administration fee
DWP does not ask for bank details by text message or email for Cost of Living payments.
Will the £600 Affect Other Benefits?
The £600 payment will:
- Be tax-free
- Not count towards benefit caps
- Not reduce Universal Credit
- Not affect Housing Benefit
- Be disregarded for Council Tax Support calculations
Households will receive the full £600 without deductions.
What If Your Circumstances Change?
Eligibility is based on entitlement during the qualifying period.
If you:
- Start work after the qualifying window
- Have a change in income
- Experience a benefit reassessment
You would still qualify if you were entitled during the official assessment period.
Conversely, becoming eligible after the qualifying window usually would not count.
Why February 2026?
February has historically been one of the highest-pressure months for household finances due to:
- Ongoing winter heating bills
- Reduced daylight and seasonal costs
- Post-holiday financial commitments
Targeting February aligns with previous government strategies to provide support during peak financial stress periods.
How £600 Could Support Households
For many low-income households, £600 may help cover:
- Energy bills
- Food shopping
- Rent shortfalls
- Council Tax instalments
- Childcare costs
While it does not resolve long-term affordability issues, it may provide temporary financial stability during a difficult month.
Practical Steps to Take Now
To avoid missing out:
- Confirm which benefits you currently receive
- Check eligibility once qualifying dates are published
- Ensure your bank details are up to date
- Monitor official updates via GOV.UK
Avoid third-party websites claiming to “secure” your payment.
How This Compares to Previous Cost of Living Payments
Since 2022, Cost of Living support has been structured as:
- One-off lump sum payments
- Automatic issuance
- Targeted at means-tested claimants
The February 2026 £600 payment follows the same model.
There is no indication at this stage of recurring monthly Cost of Living payments.
Summary
The DWP has confirmed a £600 Cost of Living Payment will be issued in February 2026 to eligible benefit claimants.
The payment will be:
- Automatic
- Tax-free
- Separate from regular benefits
- Ignored in benefit calculations
Eligibility will depend on receiving specific means-tested benefits during a defined qualifying period.
Further guidance, including precise assessment dates, is expected before payments begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the £600 Cost of Living payment be paid?
Payments are scheduled for February 2026 and will likely be issued over several weeks.
Who qualifies for the £600 payment?
Claimants receiving certain means-tested benefits during the qualifying period, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Do I need to apply?
No. Payments will be made automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Will the £600 affect my Universal Credit?
No. The payment is tax-free and will not reduce or impact other benefits.
What if I receive Pension Credit?
Pension Credit claimants are expected to qualify if entitled during the qualifying window.
How will I receive the money?
It will be paid directly into your usual benefit bank account as a separate one-off payment.