As summer draws to a close and school holidays come to an end, some families might sense a slight relaxation in their costs. But for millions of people across the UK, the burden of the cost-of-living crisis has not eased. If anything, it is now part of everyday life.
Even though inflation has returned to pre-pandemic levels, core goods and necessary services continue to be unaffordably expensive. And with pay creeping only marginally, many households continue to suffer the pinch.
The Resolution Foundation document points out that the price of necessities has hardly moved, while overall inflation has fallen.
Food insecurity and energy debts are still alarmingly high. In January 2025, more than 7.3 million adults or 13.9% of UK families, were finding it difficult to get by on food, the Food Foundation said.
Energy debts have also risen, currently standing at £3.9 billion, more than twice the five-year level.
Against this harsh financial background, making sure you’re claiming all the help to which you’re entitled is more crucial than ever.
Ironically, £23 billion of benefits every year are not being claimed, say Policy in Practice. That’s money that could be in your council’s pocket rather than helping your family. Their online calculator is a simple means of checking your entitlements.
Payment Dates in September 2025: What You Need to Know
There are no bank holidays in September, and thus, benefit and pension payments will be made as planned. Here’s the lowdown.
Benefits Scheduled for Payment:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
All such payments will go on uninterrupted throughout the month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is also ongoing with its expansion of Universal Credit. Legacy benefit recipients, such as tax credits, income support, JSA, and housing benefit, should have been issued with a migration notice before the January 2026 date.
State Pension Payment Days: Based on Your NI Number
Payments are normally made every four weeks, directly into your bank account. Your pension day will be based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
| NI Number Ends In | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
Benefit Rate Changes and What’s to Come
As of April 2025, all benefits were raised by 1.7%, in line with inflation. The state pension was raised by 4.1%, in accordance with the triple lock guarantee, adding £472 per year.
What’s to come:
- From April 2026, claimants of Universal Credit will receive more-than-inflation rises every year until 2029.
- The first increase? At least 2.3%.
- But the Universal Credit health-related component for new claimants will be reduced from £105 to £50, and it will be frozen until 2029.
This is a reduction of more than £200 a month, cutting that element of the benefit by almost half. If you are eligible, it makes sense to apply early rather than later.
Financial Support You Might Not Be Aware Of
Budgeting Advance Loans
For crisis, you might be eligible for an interest-free Budgeting Advance. The DWP permits repayment within two years, taken from Universal Credit.
You can borrow:
- £348 (solo)
- £464 (couple)
- £812 (if receiving Child Benefit)
As of April 2025, the DWP has capped the deductions at 15% of the standard allowance (from 25%), providing some extra space for struggling households to breathe.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
If you’re getting Housing Benefit or the housing part of Universal Credit, you can ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help with:
- Rent arrears
- Rent deposit
- Advance payment of rent
Get in touch with your local council; each will have different criteria and money available.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The HSF offers:
- Assistance with utility bills
- White goods and basics
- Cash payments (up to £300)
It is on offer until March 2026, when it will be replaced by the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, supported by £1 billion of funding.
Charitable Grants
Charities can provide small grants for:
- Disabled or sick people
- Carers and families bereaved
- Students and those who are unemployed
Use Turn2us’s grant search facility to see what’s available in your locality.
Energy Provider Schemes
Energy companies such as British Gas, Octopus, EDF, Scottish Power, and E.ON have hardship funds. It’s worth phoning your provider directly.
Council Tax Reductions
You may be entitled to up to 100% council tax reduction based on your circumstances. Local authorities also have discretionary funds for those in severe hardship.
Free Childcare Expansions
Since 1 September 2025, all children under the age of five are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.
This adds to previous expansions:
- April 2024: 15 hours for children aged 2
- September 2024: 15 hours for children aged 9 months
Apply online and re-check eligibility every three months.
Most families are not aware of the full range of help that is out there. Between unclaimed benefits and council schemes, millions may be missing out on crucial assistance.
Energy Price Cap Update
July to September 2025, Ofgem’s price cap fell by 7% to £1,720, following three consecutive increases.
The cap determines the top rate for standard variable tariffs consumed by the majority of UK households. The following update (Oct–Dec rates) is scheduled end of August.
Will Cost of Living Payments End in 2025?
Unfortunately, yes. The last instalment of the Cost of Living Payment was paid out between 6 and 22 February 2024. The government has made no decision to continue the scheme.
Mental Health Support Remains Just as Important
If you’re finding things tough, you don’t have to face it alone. There are 24/7 services waiting to listen:
- Samaritans – Call 116 123, email [email protected]
- Mind – Support line: 0300 102 1234, Info line: 0300 123 3393
- Scope – Online forums for disabled people
- NHS England – Mental health triage and referral services online
With essentials still out of reach for so many and significant welfare reforms on the way, it’s essential to know what you’re entitled to. Whether it’s a budgeting loan, a childcare grant, or assistance with rent, there’s more help available than you may realise.
Find out what you’re entitled to. Claim early. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, is out there, but you need to speak up.
