The UK government has announced a nationwide £100 bonus for eligible citizens, creating a wave of relief and excitement across the country. This bonus is aimed at helping households manage the rising cost of living, especially as inflation and energy bills continue to affect daily life. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies, when to expect the payment, and how to claim it if you’re eligible.
What is the £100 Bonus?
This one-time £100 payment is part of the government’s wider effort to support low- and middle-income households. While it is not a universal payment like previous COVID-era support, it is targeted to reach millions of people who meet certain conditions. The bonus will be directly credited to bank accounts, making it convenient and automatic for most people.
Who is Eligible for the £100 Bonus?
To receive the £100 bonus, you must meet one or more of the following eligibility conditions:
- Be receiving any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
- Be a UK resident with a National Insurance Number
- Have claimed one of the above benefits between 1 April and 31 May 2025
- Pensioners receiving the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024-25 may also automatically receive this bonus if they meet additional criteria
People who are working but on a low income and receive tax credits or Universal Credit will also be considered.
When Will You Get the £100?
The payment window starts from 1 July 2025 and will continue in batches based on benefit type and alphabetical order of the recipient’s last name. Here’s a tentative payment schedule:
- 1 July to 10 July 2025 – Universal Credit recipients
- 11 July to 20 July 2025 – Tax Credit claimants
- 21 July to 31 July 2025 – ESA, JSA, Income Support claimants
- 1 August to 10 August 2025 – Pension Credit recipients
All payments will be processed automatically, and there’s no need to apply separately unless your circumstances have changed recently and you’re not on the benefits register.
How Will the Payment Be Made?
The £100 will be deposited directly into your usual bank or Post Office account where you receive your benefit payments. It will appear as a separate payment marked as “Cost of Living Support” or “July Bonus Payment.”
What If You Don’t Receive It?
If you’re eligible and do not receive the payment by 15 August 2025, the government is asking people to:
- Wait until the end of the payment window based on your benefit type
- Contact the DWP or HMRC depending on which benefit you receive
- Ensure that your banking details are up to date
You can update your information via your online benefits account or by calling the relevant helpline.
Why Is the Government Giving This Bonus?
This initiative is part of the government’s wider cost of living support package aimed at helping vulnerable groups stay afloat. With rising inflation, housing costs, and energy bills, the government wants to ease the financial pressure on everyday families.
According to official estimates, over 8 million households may benefit from this one-time bonus. The bonus is being welcomed by many, especially pensioners and working parents, as a much-needed relief in the middle of summer expenses.
Final Thoughts
If you’re receiving any government benefit, make sure your information is up to date so that you don’t miss out on the £100 payment. While it may not be a huge sum, every bit counts—especially during these times of high living costs. The best part? No extra paperwork required.
