5 Essential Facts About The £325 Universal Credit Payment In December 2025: DWP’s Official Position And Early Christmas Dates
The search for a £325 Universal Credit payment in December 2025 is a key concern for many low-income households, but it’s crucial to separate fact from rumour. As of today, December 22, 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the specific £325 Cost of Living Payment (CoLP) scheme that ran over the past few years has officially concluded and there are no current plans for a new one. The focus for December 2025 is instead on the confirmed early payment schedule for all benefits due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
This article provides the most up-to-date information, directly addressing the confusion surrounding the £325 figure and detailing the confirmed DWP payment dates for Universal Credit claimants in December 2025, ensuring you have the latest financial support facts.
The Official DWP Stance on the £325 Cost of Living Payment 2025
The specific £325 payment, which was part of the Cost of Living Payment (CoLP) scheme, is a historical figure that has caused significant confusion among claimants searching for future support. It is essential to understand the official status of this payment.
Fact Check: Is the £325 Payment Confirmed for December 2025?
The short and definitive answer is No. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially stated that the Cost of Living Payment scheme, which included the £325/£324 payments, has concluded.
- The Cost of Living Payment scheme ran between 2022 and 2024 to help people on means-tested benefits manage high living costs.
- The final payment of this scheme was issued in early 2024.
- Despite ongoing speculation and viral claims, the DWP is not planning to make any more Cost of Living Payments in 2025 or 2026.
The query for a "£325 Universal Credit payment in December 2025" is likely a reference to the third and final instalment of the previous scheme, which was paid in late 2023 and early 2024, leading to residual searches for a similar payment a year later. The government has not ruled out additional future support, but no specific £325 payment has been announced or confirmed for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Confirmed Universal Credit Payment Dates for Christmas 2025
While the £325 one-off payment is not happening, there is crucial, confirmed information regarding Universal Credit payments in December 2025 that affects all claimants: the Christmas and New Year early payment schedule. This is a vital piece of information for budgeting during the festive period.
Due to the bank holidays over Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, any benefit payment due on a non-working day will be paid on the last working day before the due date. This ensures claimants receive their money before the offices close.
DWP Official Early Payment Schedule: December 2025 – January 2026
The DWP has confirmed that any Universal Credit payment due between Thursday, December 25, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026, will be paid early.
Claimants should check the following revised schedule for their benefit payments:
| Original Due Date | Revised Early Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day) | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Friday, December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day) | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Saturday, December 27, 2025 | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| Sunday, December 28, 2025 | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 |
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day) | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| Friday, January 2, 2026 (Scotland only) | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
If your Universal Credit assessment period ends on a date that would typically result in a payment between December 25th and January 2nd, you will receive your funds earlier. It is crucial to budget carefully, as the gap until your next scheduled payment will be longer than usual.
Understanding Future Universal Credit Support and Uprating
With the Cost of Living Payments now concluded, the main focus for claimants is on the annual uprating of benefits and any new targeted support schemes that may be introduced. The government is continuing to provide support through the standard benefit system and other targeted measures.
Annual Uprating of Universal Credit 2025/2026
Universal Credit and other benefits are typically uprated annually in April, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figure from the previous September. While the specific uprating percentage for April 2026 will be confirmed later in 2025, claimants can expect their standard allowance and elements to increase to help combat inflation.
The benefit uprating for the 2025/2026 financial year is a key mechanism for increasing financial support for low-income households, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and other legacy benefits.
Addressing Other Cost of Living Payment Rumours (£500, £650)
The search for the £325 payment has also led to other rumours about one-off payments, such as a £500 or £650 Cost of Living payment for January 2026.
As with the £325 query, there is no official confirmation from the DWP for a £500 or £650 one-off payment in early 2026. These figures often appear in speculative or unverified news sources. Claimants should rely only on official GOV.UK announcements for accurate information about financial support.
Alternative Support Available Now
For those struggling with the cost of living in December 2025, there are several key support channels that remain active:
- Household Support Fund (HSF): Local councils across England receive funding to support vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy, and water bills. Eligibility and application processes vary by council.
- Winter Fuel Payment: An annual tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs for those born on or before a specific date (usually September of the qualifying year).
- Cold Weather Payments: A £25 payment for each 7-day period of very cold weather (zero degrees Celsius or below) between November 1 and March 31, paid to those on certain benefits.
- Budgeting Advance: Universal Credit claimants can apply for an interest-free loan to help with emergency expenses. This is repaid through future Universal Credit payments.
In summary, while the specific £325 Universal Credit payment in December 2025 is not confirmed, all claimants must be aware of the confirmed early benefit payment dates over the Christmas and New Year period. Always refer to the official GOV.UK website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding DWP payments and financial support.
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