As the UK continues to navigate economic challenges in 2025, many households are asking whether additional financial support will be forthcoming from the government. Specifically, speculation has circulated about a potential £90 cost of living payment in June 2025. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently issued clarity on this matter, providing important information for millions of benefit recipients and vulnerable households across the nation.
DWP’s Official Stance on June 2025 Payments
The DWP has explicitly confirmed that no new £90 cost of living payment is scheduled for June 2025. This announcement comes amid continued public concern about rising living costs, despite the gradual easing of inflation rates. According to the department’s latest statement, the government’s approach has shifted from one-off direct payments toward more sustainable and targeted support mechanisms.
This decision represents a significant policy direction that prioritizes structural support over temporary relief measures. The DWP has emphasized that existing programs and ongoing benefits adjustments are considered sufficient to support vulnerable households through the current economic climate.
Current Economic Context (May 2025)
To understand the DWP’s decision, it’s important to consider the broader economic landscape:
| Economic Indicator | Current Value (May 2025) | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation Rate | 3.1% | Down from 4.6% |
| Energy Price Cap | £1,680/year (average) | Down 7% year-on-year |
| Average Rent (UK) | £1,350/month | Up 3.2% year-on-year |
| Food Inflation | 4.2% | Down from 7.5% |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | Down from 4.5% |
While these figures show some economic improvement, many households continue to struggle with the cumulative impact of several years of elevated living costs. The government’s position is that targeted support through existing mechanisms is more appropriate than additional one-off payments at this time.
Existing Support Programs (2025-2026)
Although the £90 payment is not forthcoming, several support mechanisms remain in place. Understanding these existing programs is crucial for households facing financial pressure:
| Support Program | Eligibility Criteria | Payment Amount | Payment Schedule | Official Information Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | Pensioners aged 66+ | £200-£300 | November 2025 | GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment |
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | Recipients of qualifying disability benefits | £150 | September 2025 | GOV.UK Disability Cost of Living Payment |
| Household Support Fund | Determined by local authorities | Varies | Ongoing until March 2026 | GOV.UK Household Support Fund |
| Cold Weather Payments | Benefit recipients during very cold weather | £25 per qualifying week | November 2025-March 2026 | GOV.UK Cold Weather Payment |
| Warm Home Discount | Low income & vulnerable households | £150 (one-off) | Winter 2025-2026 | GOV.UK Warm Home Discount |
These programs form the backbone of the government’s current approach to supporting households with living costs. The DWP has indicated that funding has been reinforced for these existing schemes rather than introducing new payment types.
Why No New £90 Payment?
The DWP has cited several factors influencing the decision not to implement a new £90 cost of living payment in June 2025:
- Stabilizing Inflation: With inflation falling to 3.1% as of April 2025, the economic emergency that precipitated previous direct payments is considered to be easing.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Government financial strategies are focusing on long-term economic stability rather than short-term interventions.
- Targeted Approach: Resources are being directed toward those with the greatest demonstrated need through existing benefits and support structures.
- Administrative Efficiency: Utilizing established systems rather than creating new payment mechanisms reduces administrative costs and improves delivery efficiency.
Economic analysts have offered mixed reactions to this approach. While some support the shift toward sustainable support mechanisms, others argue that many households continue to face significant financial pressure that warrants additional direct assistance.
Alternative Support Options (June 2025)
For those disappointed by the absence of a new £90 payment, several alternative support channels remain available:
Local Authority Assistance
| Support Type | How to Access | Details | Local Council Finder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Housing Payments | Apply through local council | Additional housing cost support for benefit recipients | Find Your Local Council |
| Local Welfare Assistance | Apply through local council | Emergency support for essential needs | Find Your Local Council |
| Council Tax Support | Apply through local council | Reduction in council tax bills for low-income households | Council Tax Reduction |
National Support Programs
| Program | Purpose | Eligibility | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeting Advances (UC) | Interest-free loans for essential costs | Universal Credit recipients | Apply for Budgeting Advance |
| Budgeting Loans (Legacy Benefits) | Interest-free loans for essential items | Certain benefit recipients for 6+ months | Apply for Budgeting Loan |
| Hardship Payments | Emergency payment during benefit sanctions | Sanctioned benefit claimants | Hardship Payment Information |
Energy Support
Energy costs remain a significant concern for many households. While the £90 payment isn’t available, energy-specific support continues:
- Energy Price Cap: The regulator Ofgem maintains a price cap on standard energy tariffs.
- Priority Services Register: Vulnerable customers can access additional support from energy suppliers.
- Energy Efficiency Grants: Various schemes help reduce energy consumption through home improvements.
For information on these programs, visit the Ofgem Energy Support page.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Support
While June 2025 will not see a new £90 payment, the DWP has indicated that support measures remain under review. Several factors could influence future decisions:
Autumn Budget (October 2025)
The government’s autumn financial statement is expected to include a review of cost of living measures. DWP sources suggest that any new direct payment decisions would likely be announced at this time, depending on economic conditions.
Winter Planning (2025-2026)
With winter bringing additional cost pressures, particularly for energy, the government typically reviews support measures ahead of the colder months. Any enhancements to existing winter support programs would likely be announced by September 2025.
Economic Indicators
The DWP has indicated that significant changes in these key economic indicators could trigger a policy review:
| Indicator | Threshold for Review | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation | Above 4% for 3+ months | Declining |
| Energy Prices | 10%+ increase in price cap | Stabilizing |
| Food Inflation | Above 5% for 3+ months | Declining |
| Wage Growth | Below inflation for 6+ months | Keeping pace with inflation |
How to Access Current Support
With no new £90 payment forthcoming, maximizing existing support becomes crucial. Here’s how to ensure you’re receiving all available assistance:
- Benefit Entitlement Check: Use an online benefits calculator to check eligibility for all benefits.
- Local Authority Support: Contact your local council to inquire about discretionary support.
- Use the Find Your Local Council tool to locate contact information.
- Energy Support: Check with your energy supplier about available support schemes.
- Visit Ofgem’s Help with Energy Bills page.
- Debt Advice: If struggling with debts, free advice is available from:
Advocacy and Criticism
The absence of a new £90 payment has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups. Organizations representing pensioners, disabled people, and low-income families have argued that existing support mechanisms fail to address the cumulative impact of several years of elevated living costs.
Critics point to the following concerns:
- Erosion of household savings after multiple years of high inflation
- Continued high costs in essential spending categories despite headline inflation falling
- Inadequate support for those just above benefit thresholds (the “working poor”)
- Regional disparities in living costs not reflected in national support programs
Government representatives maintain that the current approach provides sustainable support while encouraging economic recovery and employment growth.
Conclusion: Planning Ahead Without the £90 Payment
While the confirmation of no new £90 cost of living payment in June 2025 will disappoint many, understanding the full range of available support remains crucial. The focus has shifted from one-off payments to structural support through existing benefits and targeted assistance.
Households should:
- Review current benefits: Ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to
- Engage with local support: Local authorities often have discretionary funds available
- Budget carefully: Adjust financial planning to account for no additional June payment
- Stay informed: Monitor announcements around the autumn budget for potential new measures
- Seek early help: If facing financial difficulty, access support and advice promptly
The landscape of cost of living support continues to evolve. While June 2025 will not bring a new £90 payment, the government’s approach to supporting households through economic challenges remains an ongoing policy area subject to revision based on changing circumstances.
FAQs
Will there be a £90 cost of living payment in June 2025? No, the DWP has confirmed there will not be a £90 cost of living payment in June 2025.
When might the next cost of living payment be announced? The next potential announcement would likely come with the Autumn Budget in October 2025.
Who is eligible for the existing support programs? Eligibility varies by program but generally targets pensioners, disabled people, and low-income households.
How can I find out what support I’m entitled to if there’s no £90 payment? Use an online benefits calculator like Turn2us or contact Citizens Advice for a complete entitlement check.
Isabell Johnson is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, She crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.