Every few months, a new number seems to catch fire in the world of benefit forums and WhatsApp groups — and right now, it’s £310. Pensioners across the UK are wondering: Is there a one-off £310 payment coming from the DWP? You’ll see it mentioned in Facebook threads, whispered about at the post office, or even brought up over Sunday lunch.
But let’s clear the air — because this one’s a classic case of internet telephone.
No, there is no confirmed standalone £310 payment for pensioners in 2025 or early 2026. But — and it’s a big but — that doesn’t mean the figure is entirely made up. Many pensioners will receive £310 or more this year from the government — just not in one tidy payment, and only if they’re eligible for specific benefits.
So where did the £310 number come from? Let’s break it down.
The Truth About the £310 DWP Rumour
To be blunt: there’s no official policy, press release, or GOV.UK announcement confirming a £310 lump sum for pensioners in 2025. It’s not on the DWP’s books as a specific payment — and certainly not universal.
Instead, the £310 figure seems to be a mashup — a rounding-up of several different confirmed support payments, which when combined can exceed £310, but only for those receiving means-tested benefits, disability support, or winter fuel top-ups.
So no, it’s not fake news. But it’s not quite real either.
Confirmed Payments Pensioners Can Receive in 2025–26
While the “£310” may be misleading on its own, there’s still plenty of real money on the table for pensioners — if they’re eligible.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s actually happening this financial year:
1. Cost of Living Payments – Up to £900
The DWP has rolled out three instalments of Cost of Living payments for those on means-tested benefits like Pension Credit.
| Payment | Amount | Paid To | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Payment | £301 | Pension Credit recipients | Spring 2025 |
| Second Payment | £300 | Same | Summer 2025 |
| Third Payment | £299 | Same | Autumn 2025 |
Total: £900 — but only if you were eligible during each qualifying window.
2. Disability Cost of Living Payment – £150
If you receive a qualifying disability benefit — such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Armed Forces Independence Payment — you may have received an additional £150 in 2025.
This was a separate payment, typically delivered around mid-year.
3. Winter Fuel Payment – £150–£300
Most pensioners over State Pension age will receive a Winter Fuel Payment in late 2025. The amount depends on your age and living circumstances, but the average is:
- £150 for younger pensioners (late 60s)
- £200–£300 for older or lower-income pensioners
This is a yearly payment and should hit accounts between November and December.
The government also temporarily extended eligibility to some lower-income households under a £35,000 threshold, helping more pensioners qualify.
So, let’s do the quick math:
| Payment Type | Amount Range |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living (3 payments) | £900 |
| Disability Payment (if eligible) | £150 |
| Winter Fuel Payment | £150–£300 |
| Total Support (Potential) | £1,200+ |
If you receive all of these? You’re getting well over £310. But again, not everyone will — and none of this comes with a “£310” label.
Where the £310 Confusion Comes From
It’s not hard to see how this number started floating around:
- Winter Fuel Payments often sit around £200–£300, depending on age.
- People on Pension Credit could receive £299 in a Cost of Living payment in autumn.
- Add a £150 disability payment and you’ve already blown past £310 — but you’ve had to qualify for multiple benefits.
Now toss in social media posts like “DWP confirms £310 support for pensioners” without details… and boom: confusion spreads.
Who Actually Gets These Payments?
Let’s clarify who qualifies — and who doesn’t.
Pensioners on Pension Credit
This is the big one. If you receive Pension Credit, you’re usually entitled to:
- All three Cost of Living payments
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Potentially extra support like Cold Weather Payments or Council Tax Reduction
Pensioners on Disability Benefits
If you get:
- Attendance Allowance
- PIP
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
…you likely got the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in mid-2025.
Pensioners on Just the State Pension
Here’s where many get caught out.
If you’re only on the State Pension, you’ll likely get the Winter Fuel Payment — but you won’t automatically qualify for the Cost of Living or disability top-ups unless you also receive Pension Credit or a disability benefit.
So, no Pension Credit = no Cost of Living cash. That’s why checking eligibility for Pension Credit is crucial.
Do You Need to Apply?
For most of these payments? No application is needed, as long as you’re:
- Already receiving qualifying benefits
- Your bank details are correct
- You were eligible during the government’s qualifying periods
But if you’re not currently on Pension Credit, you won’t receive the extra help — even if you’re just £10 over the income limit.
Here’s what you should do:
- Use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK
- Apply online or by phone if eligible
- A successful claim now can unlock future support — even backdated payments in some cases
When Are These Payments Made?
Here’s a rough schedule based on previous rollouts:
| Payment | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First Cost of Living Payment | Spring 2025 |
| Second Cost of Living Payment | Summer 2025 |
| Third Cost of Living Payment | Autumn 2025 |
| Disability Payment | Mid-2025 |
| Winter Fuel Payment | November–December 2025 |
If you’re eligible, payments are usually automatic and land in your bank account with a reference like:
“DWP COL” or “DWP WFP” (Winter Fuel Payment)
If nothing shows up? Check your benefits, your bank details, and whether your claim is up to date.
Why This Matters Now
With bills still sky-high and essential costs eating into fixed pensions, these payments can make or break a winter budget.
- Heating or skipping meals? That’s the reality for some.
- A £299 payment could mean a full grocery month or keeping the heating on without fear.
- And yet thousands of pensioners miss out every year simply because they didn’t claim Pension Credit.
If you know someone on the fence — a parent, grandparent, neighbour — help them check. A £1 Pension Credit award can be the key that unlocks over £1,000 in support.
Final Word
The £310 figure? Not fake, but not officially confirmed either. Think of it as a shorthand for several overlapping payments — not a standalone benefit you can expect to see land in one neat deposit.
The real takeaway: if you’re eligible for Pension Credit, disability support, or winter heating assistance, you could receive far more than £310 in total — but only if your claims are current and correct.
Skip the rumours. Check the facts. And don’t leave money on the table.
