Community Cost Bonus 2025

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A decision made 30 June 2025:

Decision Reference: MD-SOSEC-2025-473		Public
Subject: Community Costs Bonus 2025
Report Title: Community Costs Bonus 2025		Public
Decision(s): The Minister for Social Security decided to extend the 2024 Non-Statutory Community Costs Bonus for a further year.
Reason for Decision(s): Historically, the bonus is paid in the autumn, but in 2025, the Minister has decided to bring forward the date for which people to apply to July, to help families as soon as possible with cost-of-living pressures. Households that are eligible for the bonus will receive a one-off lump sum payment of £516.50. In addition, automatic payments will be made to claimants where the Department can already confirm eligibility, negating the need (in some cases) for an application to be made. In terms of eligibility and the application process (including automated payments), the rules for the bonus will remain the same as they did in 2024 and are set out in the attached guidelines. The scheme will commence on 1st July 2025, immediately following the expiry of the 2024 scheme. Applications will open on 14th July 2025 and will remain open until 30th June 2026.
Resource Implications: Estimated funding of £2.273 million has been allocated to support this scheme from existing Departmental budgets.
Action Required: Department to take necessary action.
Signature:	Signed By: Minister for Social Security
Date Signed:	Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):