News that a £562 one‑off support payment has been confirmed for February 2026 has quickly caught attention across the UK. At a time when household budgets remain under pressure, any announcement of financial support understandably raises important questions.
Who qualifies? Is it automatic? When will it be paid? And is it taxable?
If you’ve seen headlines about the £562 payment and want clear, practical answers without confusion, this guide explains everything in straightforward terms.
What Is the £562 One‑Off Support Payment
The reported £562 payment is described as a one‑off support measure aimed at helping eligible households manage ongoing living costs.
Unlike a regular benefit increase, a one‑off payment is not permanent. It is issued as a single instalment and does not automatically roll into future monthly payments.
The scheme is being administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
As with previous support measures, eligibility is expected to be linked to existing benefit claims rather than requiring a new application.
Why February 2026
February is often a financially difficult month for many households. Following winter heating costs and post‑Christmas expenses, budgets can feel stretched.
Targeted support in late winter aims to:
Offset high energy usage
Support low‑income households
Provide stability before the new tax year
February timing also ensures payments are delivered before April uprating changes take effect.
Is This a Permanent Increase
No.
This is described as a one‑off payment, not an ongoing rise to benefits such as Universal Credit or State Pension.
That means recipients should not expect their regular monthly payments to increase by £562 going forward.
Instead, the payment is issued separately, often labelled clearly on bank statements.
Who Is Likely to Qualify
Eligibility is expected to mirror previous targeted support schemes.
Groups that may qualify include recipients of:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income Support
Employment and Support Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Eligibility typically depends on receiving qualifying benefits during a specific assessment period.
Exact qualifying dates are usually confirmed officially before payments begin.
Will State Pensioners Qualify
The State Pension alone does not usually qualify someone for cost‑of‑living style payments.
However, pensioners who receive Pension Credit may qualify.
This is important because many eligible pensioners do not currently claim Pension Credit despite being entitled.
Checking eligibility could unlock not only the £562 payment but additional ongoing support.
Do You Need to Apply
In most previous one‑off support schemes, eligible recipients did not need to apply.
Payments were made automatically based on existing benefit records.
If this structure continues, the £562 payment would be issued automatically to qualifying households.
However, individuals must ensure their bank details and benefit claims are up to date.
When Will Payments Be Made
While February 2026 is the headline month, payments are often staggered across several weeks.
Typically:
Payments begin early to mid‑February
They continue in batches
All eligible recipients receive payment within a defined window
If a payment does not arrive during the expected timeframe, official guidance usually advises waiting until the full payment window closes before contacting the DWP.
How the Payment Will Appear
One‑off payments are generally made directly into the same bank account used for regular benefit payments.
They often appear with a reference indicating DWP support.
There is no cheque and no requirement to confirm receipt.
Is the £562 Taxable
Most cost‑of‑living style payments are not taxable.
They also do not count towards the benefit cap and typically do not affect existing benefit entitlements.
However, official confirmation always clarifies tax treatment.
If unsure, checking with HMRC guidance after payment is sensible.
Will It Affect Other Benefits
Generally, one‑off support payments are disregarded for means‑tested calculations.
That means receiving the £562 should not reduce:
Housing Benefit
Universal Credit
Council Tax Reduction
Each scheme may publish separate confirmation, but historically such payments have been excluded from income calculations.
Why Targeted Support Is Used
Rather than reducing income tax or increasing all benefits permanently, one‑off payments allow the government to:
Target low‑income households
Limit long‑term spending commitments
Respond to short‑term economic pressures
This approach provides flexibility but does not permanently raise baseline income.
What If You Recently Stopped Claiming
Eligibility usually depends on receiving a qualifying benefit during a specific qualifying period.
If you stopped claiming before that date, you may not qualify.
If you recently became eligible after the qualifying date, you may also miss out.
Exact assessment dates are crucial and will be outlined in official announcements.
Protecting Yourself From Scams
Whenever support payments are announced, scam messages increase.
Be cautious of:
Texts asking you to “confirm eligibility”
Emails requesting bank details
Links claiming to fast‑track payment
If the payment is automatic, you will not need to provide bank details via text or email.
The DWP does not charge fees for releasing support payments.
What Households Should Do Now
If you think you may qualify:
Check your benefit status
Ensure your bank details are correct
Review any official letters
Consider checking Pension Credit eligibility if retired
No separate registration is typically required.
How This Fits Into Wider Support
The £562 payment sits alongside other financial measures such as:
Annual benefit uprating
Energy support schemes
Local council hardship funds
For some households, combined support across the year can provide more substantial relief.
Impact on Working Claimants
Working households receiving Universal Credit may qualify if their award remains active during the qualifying period.
Earnings do not automatically disqualify someone from Universal Credit.
Therefore, many part‑time or low‑income workers could still receive the £562 payment.
Could There Be Further Payments
Future support depends on economic conditions and fiscal policy decisions.
One‑off payments do not guarantee further instalments.
Each measure is typically reviewed independently.
Common Questions
Is the £562 paid to everyone
No, it is targeted at qualifying benefit recipients.
Do I need to apply
Usually no, if you already receive eligible benefits.
When will I get paid
Payments are expected during February 2026, likely in stages.
Will it affect my regular benefits
Historically, such payments are disregarded in benefit calculations.
Key Points to Remember
The £562 payment is one‑off.
Eligibility depends on qualifying benefits.
Payments are usually automatic.
It is separate from regular monthly support.
Scam awareness is important.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation of a £562 one‑off support payment for February 2026 will provide welcome relief for many households navigating continued cost pressures.
While it is not a permanent increase in income, it offers short‑term stability at a crucial time of year.
As always, eligibility depends on benefit status during specific qualifying dates. Ensuring your records are accurate and up to date is the simplest way to avoid missing out.
If you’re unsure about your entitlement, checking your current benefit position — particularly Pension Credit if you’re retired — could make a meaningful difference.
Clear official guidance will outline exact payment dates and eligibility windows. Until then, staying informed and cautious of scams is the best approach.
For many families and pensioners, this February payment could provide a timely financial cushion when it’s needed most.