Among the fastest growing situations in the UK, there are about 24 million citizens who receive some kind of government assistance, that is, taking advantage of the benefit scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Even in July 2025, this assistance remains the only support for many households.
Although the shock of the surge in bills in April 2025 has now subsided a bit, the financial situation of millions of people still remains unstable. The government has increased the minimum wage, state pension and other facilities a little, but the rate of increase is faster than the rate of inflation, making it difficult for the poor and middle class to survive.
Poverty situation in Britain: Picture of March 1
According to the report of Joseph Rountree Foundation, in the year 2022-23, 21 percent of the total population in Britain i.e. 1.43 crore people were achieving a standard of living in poverty. Along with this, a research by Plastic in Practice also revealed that every year about £23 billion in aid remains unclaimed.
What benefits will be available in July 2025?
There is no bank holiday in July, so all government benefits will be paid on time. These include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit*
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Particular Independence Panel (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Caregiver Allowance
- Employee Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker Allowance (JSA)
If you have previously received any form of ‘legacy benefit’, i.e. support under the old validity, you will be switched to Universal Credit by January 2026.
State pension: What day will you get paid?
The state pension is usually paid once every four weeks. Payment day The last two digits of your National Documentary (NI) number are restricted to:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
Changes to the resolution that emerged in April 2025
The Government has set out a 1.7% increase in the age at work across all occupations in April 2025, following the declining rate set out in September 2024. At the same time, the State Pension has been increased by 4.1% (around £472/year) under the triple lock policy.
But there will be some changes to Universal Credit from April 2026:
- Standard pay rises by £7 per week
Health element Stable position until 2029/30 (£97/week) - New Health Element claimants will get just £50/week
These are also helpful in a financial crisis
1. Budgeting advance loans
If you need more plastic items on Universal Credit, buy with a no-interest loan:
- For a single person: £348
- For a couple: £464
- Having children living: £812
This will decrease the limit from 25 percent to 15 percent in the year 2025
2. Discretionary Plantation (DHP)
If you are getting Dairy Benefit or the dairy element of Universal Credit, you can get a DHP for rent or an advance. Your local council decides how much money you get.
3. Household Support Support (HSF)
This scheme will provide a subsidy to those in unemployment and the population until March 2026:
- Daily Use Scheme
- Help with Electricity and Water Bills
- Direct Credit Support of up to £300
Contact your local council for this.
Find out more support
4. Charitable Grants (Charitable Grants)
Depending on your situation (illness, unemployment, student, carer etc) you may be able to get a grant from some charities. There is a tool on the Turn2us website that lists grants for you.
5. Energy Assistance Help
Some energy companies such as British Gas, EDF, Octopus offer special assistance to primitive energy. Contact your company.
6. Council Tax Relief
If you are receiving certain benefits or are in financial difficulties, you may be able to get up to 100% tax relief. Contact your local council for this.
Government’s first initiative
Now all working parents will get 30 hours of free childcare for their children aged 3 to 4 years.
From 1 September 2025, this benefit will be available to all children above 9 months.
You will need to confirm eligibility every three months. In addition, annuity plans of up to £500 are available under the Tax-free Engineer scheme.
Relief to energy price cap
The energy price cap set by Ofgem has been reduced from £1,849 to £1,720 between July and September, with buy-to-let relief.
Will there be a ‘cost of living petrol’ in 2025?
No one has announced a new cost of living payment for 2025 from the DWP. The previous final instalment was paid in February 2024.
Mental health support
If you are struggling with mental stress or financial strain, these workers can help you:
- Samarins: 116 123 (24 hours, free)
- MIND mobile number: 0300 102 1234
- Scope: Disability Forum
- NHS England: Online
FAQs
Q1. When will benefits be paid in July 2025?
All benefits, including Universal Credit and state pensions, will be paid as usual in July since there are no bank holidays.
Q2. Has the Universal Credit amount increased in 2025?
Yes, Universal Credit rose by 1.7% in April 2025. A further £7/week rise in the standard allowance is planned for April 2026.
Q3. How can I apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)?
You must contact your local council. You’re only eligible if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
Q4. Will there be another Cost of Living Payment in 2025?
As of now, the DWP has not announced any new Cost of Living Payments for 2025.
Q5. What is the new energy price cap from July to September 2025?
Ofgem’s energy price cap has been reduced to £1,720, offering a 7% decrease in average household bills.