Many people across the UK are talking about a £950 one-off payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As living costs continue to rise, this rumour has quickly gained attention. But is this payment real or just another internet claim? Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
What the DWP Has Officially Said
As of now, there is no official announcement of any £950 payment from the DWP or HM Treasury. All confirmed Cost of Living Payments are published officially through the government’s website or press releases.
The £950 news appears to have started on social media and online discussions, not from government sources.
To make things clear, here’s a quick comparison of the real and rumoured payments:
| Support Scheme | Status | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Payments 2022–2024 | Confirmed | Up to £900 (in parts) |
| Cost of Living Payment 2025 | Confirmed | £500 (single payment) |
| Rumoured £950 Payment October 2025 | Not confirmed | £950 (speculative) |
Until there’s an official government statement, this rumour should not be believed as fact.
Who Could Get It If Announced?
If a payment like this were to be introduced, it would likely follow the same rules as earlier Cost of Living Payments. These payments were targeted at people who need financial support the most.
Groups that might qualify include:
- Universal Credit or Income Support claimants
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit claimants
- People getting Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
- Recipients of disability-related benefits such as PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance
These groups are often the most affected by price increases, so they are usually the first to get extra help.
Why Pension Credit Matters
Pension Credit plays a key role in giving pensioners extra help. Those who receive it not only get extra income but also become eligible for other benefits such as the Warm Home Discount and past Cost of Living Payments.
Unfortunately, every year many pensioners miss out. It’s estimated that around £2 billion of Pension Credit goes unclaimed annually. Some pensioners assume they won’t qualify because they own their home or have small savings. Checking eligibility could make a big difference, especially if new payments are introduced later.
Who Would Not Qualify
Some people may not be eligible even if the £950 payment becomes real. These include:
- Claimants who only receive contribution-based benefits like new style ESA or JSA
- People whose benefit payment was reduced to £0 during the qualifying period
This system ensures that funds go mainly to those on low incomes.
How to Identify Real DWP Payments
Knowing how genuine payments are handled helps you spot scams. Official DWP payments are:
- Automatic – no need to apply
- Sent to your usual benefit account
- Shown on your bank statement as “DWP COLP”
- Non-taxable and do not affect other benefits
If you receive messages asking for personal details or claiming you need to “apply” for the £950 payment, it’s likely a scam. The DWP will never ask for your information by text, email, or social media.
Where to Find Real Information
The best place for updates is always official government announcements. Social media posts and online rumours are not reliable sources. If the DWP introduces any new payment, it will be clearly announced through government websites and reported by trusted news outlets.
Right now, the £950 one-off DWP payment for October 2025 is only a rumour. The government has not confirmed it, and there is no evidence such a payment exists.
However, if a new support scheme is announced later, it will likely target low-income households, pensioners, and those on certain benefits. Always check official updates before believing what you see online.
FAQs
Is the £950 DWP payment confirmed for October 2025?
No, there has been no confirmation. The rumour is unverified.
Who might qualify if it becomes official?
People on benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, and disability payments.
How can I avoid scams related to this rumour?
Never share personal details online. Real DWP payments are automatic and show as “DWP COLP” on bank statements.
