October 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions and cost of living

As the temperature starts to drop After the scorching summer heat, many people will be concerned about the increased costs that come with the cold season.

For millions of people in the country, managing the cost of living remains a daily struggle Because prices are rising faster than household incomes.

Despite inflation returning to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of goods remains persistently high due to stagnant wages. Plus, exorbitant household bills mean millions of people are struggling with debt to afford essentials.

Recent research from The Trussell Trust found that almost 14 million adults are going without food because they can’t afford it. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to £3.9bn by the end of 2024.

Recent research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that low-income households in the UK are definitely moving The worst decline in living standards On record until the next election in 2029.

In this difficult economic backdrop, it is vital that families are claiming all the support they are entitled to. Now about 24 million people in the country are claiming some combination of these DWP-administered benefits – which also includes people receiving a state pension – representing almost one in three people.

still new Research by Policy in Practice Shows that £24 billion worth of benefits go unclaimed every year – you can use them helpful calculator To find out what you may be entitled to.

Are you living in a household affected by the two-child benefit limit? Contact via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk

Here’s an overview of the financial support and benefits available to families this October and important dates for State Pension recipients:

Benefit payment dates in October

Benefit payments will continue as normal in October, as there are no bank holidays. These include:

For more information on how and when state benefits are paid, Visit Government Website,

The DWP aims to complete the transfer of all “legacy benefits” to Universal Credit by January 2026. People receiving tax credits, income support, jobseekers allowance and housing benefit should have received notice in advance about the switch to Universal Credit.

Are you experiencing problems with PIP, Universal Credit, or any other benefit? Contact via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk

Pension payment dates in October

The basic state pension is paid directly into bank accounts in the same way as benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number.

Here’s when you should be paid based on those numbers:

When will benefit rates increase?

In April, all benefits were increased by 1.7 percent, matching the inflation figure for September 2024. The increase applies to all working-age benefits including Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, ESA and more.

Meanwhile, in line with the triple lock, the state pension rises by 4.1 per cent – ​​up to £472 a year – the equivalent of a pay rise in 2024.

In April 2026, all Universal Credit claimants will receive an above-inflation boost to their income after Labour’s controversial welfare bill is passed. These above-inflation increases will continue annually until 2029, with the first increase being at least 2.3 percent.

However, at the same time, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of Universal Credit for new claimants will be reduced from £105 to £50. This rate will also remain stable till 2029.

This is a reduction of more than £200 per month, almost halving the additional rate. This means it is fair to people who think they may be eligible. Apply as soon as possible.

The state pension is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent from next April, in line with annual income growth. This will bring the weekly amount to £241.05.

Other support available

Budgeting for Loan Advances

The government offers “Budget Advance Loans” for those on Universal Credit who face an emergency shortage of money. The maximum repayment period of the loan is two years.

These loans are interest free, and are automatically deducted from Universal Credit payments. You can borrow an “Advance” up to:

Following the Labor Budget in October, a new limit has been introduced on the amount that the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budget advances.

From April 2025, the deduction from Universal Credit will be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent of the standard allowance.

Discretionary Housing Payment

Households can apply to their council for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), which provides financial assistance towards rent or housing costs.

You can only get DHP if you are receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. This can cover housing costs for rent reduction, rent deposit and advance rent if you need to move house.

The exact eligibility and available funding is decided on a council-by-council basis, so you’ll need to contact your local authority to find out more.

domestic assistance fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF), distributed by local councils, provides vital support to people experiencing financial hardship, complementing standard benefits and grants.

As part of this government initiative, eligible households across the UK can receive support such as essential equipment, contributions towards utility bills and direct cash payments of up to £300.

Local authorities are free to decide how to allocate HSF funding to suit families in their area, so what is available will vary. To apply, families need to contact their council (most provide online forms).

This nationwide program is scheduled to run until March 2026. The government has committed £1 billion of funding to turn it into a “Crisis and Resilience Fund”, which will also replace the DHP.

charitable grant

If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for some charitable grants. A wide range of grants are available depending on your circumstances.

However, these grants usually require you to meet specific criteria and can only provide a limited amount of money.

Charitable grants are available to those who are disabled or ill, carers, the bereaved, the unemployed, students – and for many other reasons. Donation Turn2us has an online tool for finding grants Which may be available to you.

Energy Provider Support

Many energy suppliers offer help for people struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, EON and octopusIt is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.

council tax reduction

If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for up to 100 per cent off your council tax (this is sometimes called council tax support).

If you are able to demonstrate that you are experiencing severe hardship and are not able to pay your council tax, your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction.

To apply for council tax reduction, you can contact your local council through government website,

30 hours of free child care

From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK become entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to the age of four. This is the conclusion of a gradual set of expansions that began in April 2024.

Parents must apply online and confirm their eligibility every three months for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free child care, getting 20p back for every £80 you put into child care, up to a maximum of £500 per year.

Energy price cap: is it rising?

Ofgem’s energy price cap will rise by 2 per cent in October, from £1,720 to £1,755. The £35 increase follows a huge 7 per cent drop from £1,849 to £1,720 for July to September.

An energy price cap is the maximum amount an energy supplier can charge you for each unit of energy if you are on a standard variable tariff. This includes most of the houses. It is expressed as the annual bill of an average household.

Many experts – including Ofgem itself – are advising households to consider a fixed tariff energy deal, while many in the market are offering less than the price cap rate.

Will there be another cost of living payment in 2025?

The DWP has made no announcement on whether to continue the cost of living payment scheme, which runs between 2022 and 2024. The final payment to eligible families should have been made between February 6 and February 22, 2024.

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