How to contact the Cost of Living Payment helpline

ByThiago SF

When financial support matters most, clear communication can make all the difference.
For many people across the United Kingdom, the Cost of Living Payment has been a vital relief during recent years — helping households manage rising expenses in food, rent, and energy.

While there isn’t a single “Cost of Living Payment helpline,” there are several official phone numbers and services that handle all related enquiries through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC.

Here’s exactly how to reach the right team — safely, directly, and effectively.

Understanding How the System Works

The Cost of Living Payments were issued automatically between 2022 and 2024 to people receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, and Tax Credits.

That means there was no separate helpline just for these payments, since no application process existed.

However, if you didn’t receive your payment, need to report an issue, or want to verify eligibility, you can contact the department managing your benefit.

Each benefit has its own helpline — and those numbers are the correct path to get Cost of Living Payment assistance.

1️⃣ Universal Credit Helpline

If your Cost of Living Payment should have been paid via Universal Credit, contact:

📞 Telephone: 0800 328 5644
🔇 Textphone (hearing impaired): 0800 328 1344
♿ Relay UK: Dial 18001 + 0800 328 5644

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Website: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit

👉 Tip: When you call, have your National Insurance number, date of birth, and bank details ready to confirm your identity.

If you are reporting a missing Cost of Living Payment, explain that you believe you were eligible and request a verification of your payment record.

2️⃣ Pension Service Helpline

For those who receive Pension Credit or are over the qualifying age for pension benefits:

📞 Telephone: 0800 731 0469
🔇 Textphone: 0800 731 0464
♿ Relay UK: 18001 + 0800 731 0469

This service can help confirm whether your payment was issued and answer questions about Pensioner Cost of Living Payments (which were added to Winter Fuel Payments).

If your pension payments are managed through a specific local office, you can also contact them directly using the phone number listed on your previous correspondence.

3️⃣ HMRC (Tax Credits) Helpline

If you only receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, your Cost of Living Payment is handled by HMRC instead of DWP.

📞 Telephone: 0345 300 3900
🔇 Textphone: 0345 300 3909
📠 Relay UK: 18001 + 0345 300 3900

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact

Payments from HMRC appear in your bank account with the reference “HMRC COLS”.
If you believe your payment is missing, contact this helpline to confirm the transaction or request a trace.

4️⃣ Disability Benefits Helpline

If you’re receiving a Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Attendance Allowance, and you believe your Disability Cost of Living Payment hasn’t arrived, contact:

📞 Telephone: 0800 121 4433
🔇 Textphone: 0800 121 4493
♿ Relay UK: 18001 + 0800 121 4433
Website: https://www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline

This team provides status updates and can confirm whether your payment was processed under the right benefit record.

5️⃣ Local Council Cost of Living Lines

If you’re looking for local support rather than national payments, many councils operate Cost of Living Advice Lines or Household Support Fund teams.

Here are some verified local examples:

  • 🏙️ Manchester Cost of Living Advice Line: 0800 023 2692
  • 🌆 London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham: 0800 917 6994
  • 🏡 Tower Hamlets (Household Support Fund): 0207 364 5040

These services can connect you with emergency help for energy, food, rent, or council tax.

Safety and Security Tips When Contacting Helplines

Because the Cost of Living Payment attracted public attention, scammers often use fake calls and texts pretending to be DWP or HMRC.

To protect yourself:

  • ✅ Never share your banking PIN or passwords.
  • ✅ Only call official GOV.UK numbers listed on verified government websites.
  • ✅ Ignore any text or email asking you to “apply” or “reconfirm” your payment.
  • ✅ Use your online benefit account whenever possible — it’s secure and traceable.

Other Ways to Get Help

If you need guidance beyond helplines, you can contact:

  • Citizens Advice: Independent and confidential financial guidance.
    Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  • MoneyHelper (Free Financial Advice): 0800 138 7777
  • Household Support Fund (via councils): assistance for urgent needs such as food or utilities.

These resources are safe, official, and trusted across the UK.

❓FAQ — Cost of Living Payment Helpline (UK)

1️⃣ Is there a specific Cost of Living Payment helpline?
No — each benefit has its own helpline (DWP, HMRC, or local council). Payments are handled through those services.

2️⃣ What number should I call for Universal Credit or Pension Credit?
Universal Credit: 0800 328 5644.
Pension Credit: 0800 731 0469.

3️⃣ What if my payment didn’t arrive?
Contact the helpline managing your benefit, provide your NI number and payment details, and they will trace your transaction.

4️⃣ Can I email instead of calling?
Most DWP and HMRC inquiries are handled by phone or online accounts, not by email, for security reasons.

5️⃣ What if I get a suspicious call or message?
Report it immediately to Action Fraud or visit www.gov.uk/report-scam for guidance.

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