As 2025 heads toward its final months, many UK households are preparing for higher bills, colder weather, and ongoing financial pressures. Despite inflation easing to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of essentials — from food to energy — remains stubbornly high. For millions, managing expenses as winter approaches continues to be a major challenge.
Recent research by the Trussell Trust revealed that around 14 million adults have gone without food due to financial hardship. Meanwhile, energy debt has more than doubled over five years, reaching £4.4 billion by June 2025. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation also warns that the UK’s lowest-income families are on track to face the steepest fall in living standards on record by 2029.
With so many households struggling, knowing what support is available — and when payments arrive — is crucial this November.
Table of Contents
November Benefit Payment Dates
Good news for claimants — there are no bank holidays in November 2025, meaning benefit payments will be made on their usual dates.
Here are the key benefits being paid this month:
- 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
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently migrating all “legacy benefits” — such as tax credits, income support, and housing benefit — into Universal Credit. This transition is expected to be completed by January 2026, and most affected claimants should have already received a notification.
November Pension Payment Schedule
If you’re receiving the basic State Pension, it’s paid directly into your bank account every four weeks. The exact day of payment depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number.
| NI Number (Last Two Digits) | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
The State Pension is expected to increase by 4.8% in April 2026, reflecting annual earnings growth. This means the full weekly amount will rise to £241.05.
Benefit Rate Increases for 2026
Starting April 2026, the DWP will raise Universal Credit by around 6.2%, offering an above-inflation boost.
| Benefit Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (25+) | £92 | £98 | +£6 |
| Couple (25+) | £145 | £154 | +£9 |
Other benefits such as PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and ESA will increase by 3.8%, matching September’s inflation rate.
However, the health-related element of Universal Credit for new claimants will drop from £105 to £50 per month, while existing claimants’ rates will remain frozen until 2029.
Additional Support Available This November
1. Budgeting Advance Loans
If you’re on Universal Credit and facing an emergency financial gap, you can apply for an interest-free Budgeting Advance Loan with repayment terms of up to two years.
- £348 for single applicants
- £464 for couples
- £812 if you or your partner receive Child Benefit
From April 2025, the maximum deduction from Universal Credit repayments will be capped at 15%, down from 25%, to reduce financial pressure.
2. Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Households receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit can apply for extra support from their local council to help with rent shortfalls or deposits.
Eligibility and funding vary by council, so applicants should check directly with their local authority.
3. Household Support Fund (HSF)
The Household Support Fund continues to assist families facing severe hardship. Administered by local councils, it provides help with essentials such as utility bills, food, and emergency grants up to £300.
This program will run until March 2026, before transitioning into a new Crisis and Resilience Fund with £1 billion in government funding.
4. Charitable Grants
Several charities offer grants for people in need, including the unemployed, carers, and those with health conditions. The charity Turn2us provides a grant search tool to find available support based on your situation.
5. Energy Supplier Support
Major energy companies — including British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Scottish Power, and Octopus Energy — have hardship funds and offer devices like electric blankets for vulnerable customers. Contact your supplier directly to check eligibility.
6. Social Tariffs for Broadband and Water
Households on low incomes or benefits may qualify for reduced broadband or water bills through social tariffs.
| Service Type | Provider Example | Discount Type |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Regional water companies | 20–90% bill reduction |
| Broadband | BT, Virgin Media, Sky | Discounted social tariff for Universal Credit claimants |
Each region sets its own terms, so residents should check their provider’s website for details.
7. Council Tax Reduction
Depending on your income and benefits, you may qualify for a Council Tax reduction of up to 100%. Applications must be made through your local council’s portal on the official government site.
8. Free Childcare for Working Parents
Since September 2025, all working parents in the UK can access 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged up to four. Parents must re-confirm eligibility every three months via the government’s childcare portal.
Energy Price Cap Update
From October 2025, Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 2%, raising the average annual bill from £1,720 to £1,755. While this rise is modest, households are encouraged to consider fixed-rate energy deals, many of which are currently cheaper than the standard cap rate.
Cost of Living Payments in 2025
The DWP has confirmed that the Cost of Living Payment scheme — which ran from 2022 to early 2024 — has officially ended. No further payments are planned for 2025.
Mental Health Support
If financial stress is affecting your mental health, several organisations offer free, confidential help:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7) or visit samaritans.org
- Mind: Call 0300 102 1234 for emotional support
- Scope: Join online forums for disability and benefits advice
Conclusion
As the year winds down, financial pressures continue to challenge many UK households. Knowing when your payments arrive — and what support is available — can help you stay financially stable through the winter months.
From benefit increases to council support, the UK government and local authorities have multiple programs in place to ease the burden. Take time this November to review your entitlements and apply for all available help — every little bit can make a big difference.
FAQs
1. When will Universal Credit rates increase?
All Universal Credit payments will rise in April 2026 by around 6.2%.
2. How can I check my benefit or pension payment date?
You can find full payment schedules on the UK government website.
3. Is there another cost-of-living payment planned for 2025?
No, the DWP has confirmed there are currently no further payments scheduled.
