DWP Confirms £144 Income Support Payment – Check DWP Rules, Dates and Eligibility Now

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a £144 income support payment will be distributed in September 2025. This one-off payment is part of the government’s wider cost-of-living support measures, aimed at pensioners, low-income households, and families struggling with high expenses despite a gradual slowdown in inflation.

For millions, this cash boost offers timely assistance with essential costs such as energy bills, rent, and food, helping to ease financial strain ahead of the winter season.

What Is the £144 Income Support Payment?

The new support measure is a non-repayable lump-sum payment worth £144. It will be paid directly into the bank accounts of those who qualify, in the same way as their usual benefit or pension payments.

Unlike loans or advances, the payment does not need to be repaid. It is designed to provide quick relief to households still grappling with everyday expenses.

Why Has It Been Introduced?

Although inflation has shown signs of slowing, essential costs remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Prices for food, fuel, and rent are still pushing household budgets to their limits, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like pensioners, disabled individuals, and low-income families.

The government’s introduction of the £144 payment is aimed at:

• Preventing vulnerable households from falling into further hardship
• Providing short-term relief during a period of ongoing economic pressure
• Supporting communities most at risk of financial exclusion

Who Will Receive the £144 Payment?

The DWP has confirmed that eligibility is linked to existing means-tested benefits. Recipients will qualify if they are currently receiving one or more of the following:

• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
• Universal Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit

If you already receive one of these benefits, you do not need to apply separately – the payment will be automatic.

Income Thresholds for 2025

To ensure fairness, the DWP has set income thresholds for eligibility. Households earning above these limits will not qualify.

The thresholds are as follows:

• £1,200 per month for single adults
• £1,800 per month for couples
• £2,100 per month for families with children

If your household income falls below these thresholds and you receive one of the qualifying benefits, you will be included automatically.

When Will the £144 Payment Be Made?

Payments will begin from 15 September 2025. The DWP has confirmed that money will be sent directly to claimants’ bank accounts.

• Payments will be staggered over two weeks, meaning some households may receive the funds earlier while others may not see them until the end of September.
• Bank references will indicate the payment clearly, helping recipients identify it easily.

Do You Need to Apply?

In most cases, no application is required. If you are eligible and currently receiving qualifying benefits, the £144 will arrive automatically.

However, if you do not see the payment by the end of September, you should contact the DWP. Claimants who have changed bank accounts recently are advised to double-check their details with their benefit provider to avoid delays.

Additional Support Available in 2025

The £144 income support payment is only one part of the government’s wider cost-of-living package. Households may also benefit from other schemes, including:

• Warm Home Discount Scheme – helping with energy bills
• Winter Fuel Payment – additional support for pensioners during the colder months
• Council Tax Reduction – for low-income households struggling with council tax bills
• Free school meals and childcare support – available to eligible families with children

Many households miss out simply because they do not claim, making it important to check what you may be entitled to in addition to the £144 payment.

Public Reaction to the Announcement

The announcement has been met with relief among pensioners and low-income families, who welcome the additional support. Disability charities and advocacy groups have also praised the move, highlighting the need for targeted financial aid.

At the same time, some critics argue that while the £144 payment will help in the short term, it does not fully address the long-term challenges of rising costs. Nevertheless, the measure is expected to provide immediate relief for millions of UK households.

Preparing for the Payment

To avoid delays or issues, households are advised to:

• Check eligibility against the benefits list and income thresholds
• Ensure bank details are up to date with DWP or HMRC
• Keep an eye on payment dates from 15 September onwards
• Be alert to scams – the government has warned that fraudsters may use fake calls, texts, or emails to trick people into sharing bank details. Remember, the payment is automatic and does not require applications.

FAQs

Q1: Who qualifies for the £144 income support payment in September 2025?
Anyone receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, Income Support, JSA, Working Tax Credit, or Child Tax Credit – provided their income is below the set thresholds.

Q2: Do I need to apply for the £144 payment?
No. The payment will be made automatically to eligible households.

Q3: When will I receive the payment?
Payments will start from 15 September 2025 and will be staggered over two weeks.

Q4: How do I know if I have received the payment?
The money will appear in your bank account under a clear reference from DWP, similar to how your benefits usually appear.

Q5: Will the £144 payment affect other benefits?
No. The payment is non-taxable and will not reduce or interfere with other benefits you already receive.