Rumours about a “DWP £780 benefits extra payment” have been circulating across social media and news blogs since early 2025. Many people have shared posts claiming that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing a new £780 or “780-coded” payment.
But is it real? Let’s separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth about this so-called DWP £780 benefits extra payment — and find out what genuine help is actually available.
What Is the DWP £780 Benefits Extra Payment Rumour About?
Where did the “DWP £780” payment claim come from?
The rumour about a DWP £780 benefits extra payment began circulating on Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp in late 2024. Many posts claimed that the UK government had approved a new £780 cost-of-living bonus for anyone receiving Universal Credit, PIP, or Pension Credit.
However, when examined closely, none of these claims link to an official government or DWP announcement. Instead, the posts rely on screenshots of supposed “confirmation letters” that cannot be verified.
What is the alleged meaning of “£780”?
Some online users believe £780 refers to a total cost-of-living support figure combining various government payments. For example:
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£300 pensioner payment
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£150 disability payment
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£30 from local energy or council schemes
But there is no single £780 payment made by the DWP — only a series of separate payments depending on your benefit type.
Has the DWP confirmed any payment under the code 780?
No. The Department for Work and Pensions has not announced, approved, or confirmed any new £780 payment.
You can verify this on the official GOV.UK website or the @DWPgovuk social media channels.
Mark Lacey, a Cyber Fraud Specialist at the National Crime Agency, warns;
“If a new DWP payment isn’t listed on GOV.UK, it doesn’t exist,”
Is the DWP £780 Benefits Extra Payment Real or Fake?
What does GOV.UK say about the £780 payment?
The official GOV.UK website lists all DWP support payments. As of November 2025, there is no mention of any “£780” benefit or payment.
Officially recognised payments include:
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Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
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Disability Cost of Living Payment
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Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments
Anything outside this list should be treated as unverified or fake.
How does misinformation about DWP payments spread online?
False claims often spread through:
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Misinterpreted screenshots of bank deposits labelled “DWP”
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Click-bait websites using sensational headlines
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Viral TikTok or Facebook posts without credible sources
Scammers exploit cost-of-living anxiety to gain engagement — or to trick users into clicking phishing links.
Why are scammers using the “DWP £780” name?
Fraudsters have begun sending messages claiming to be from the DWP about a “£780 extra payment.” These messages usually:
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Ask for personal or banking details
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Contain links to fake GOV.UK-looking pages
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Promise “immediate payment” once details are entered
⚠️ Important: The DWP never asks for bank details by text, email, or social media message.
What Are the Real DWP Extra Payments Available in 2025?
While “DWP £780” is not real, several genuine cost-of-living payments remain in place this year.
Which cost-of-living payments are confirmed by the DWP for 2025?
The UK Government’s official support programmes for 2025 include:
| Official DWP Payment | Estimated Amount 2025 | Eligible Group |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Payment | £300 | Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Pension Credit |
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 | PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance claimants |
| Pensioner Cost of Living Payment | £300 | Pension Credit recipients |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per week (triggered by cold spells) | Low-income households during severe weather |
| Winter Fuel Payment | £100–£300 | Pension-age households |
Who qualifies for these official DWP extra payments?
You qualify if:
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You live in the UK or Northern Ireland
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You receive one of the listed benefits during the DWP’s eligibility window
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Your benefit claim is active during the qualifying period
These payments are automatic and tax-free, requiring no application.
How Can You Check if a DWP Payment Message Is Real or a Scam?
What are the signs of a fake DWP message or email?
Be cautious if you receive a message that:
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Requests your bank details or National Insurance number
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Comes from an unofficial email (e.g.
@gov-refunds.com) -
Promises “new DWP benefit £780” or “instant payout”
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Includes spelling or grammar errors
How to verify a real DWP announcement?
You can confirm payments safely by:
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Visiting www.gov.uk/dwp
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Checking the DWP press office page for official releases
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Following @DWPgovuk on X (Twitter)
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Contacting your local Jobcentre Plus
What to do if you’ve shared your information by mistake?
If you entered personal or bank details:
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Report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk)
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Inform your bank immediately
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Change your online passwords
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Monitor your account for unusual activity
Why Do Fake Benefit News Stories Spread So Fast?
How do viral posts about DWP payments attract clicks?
Fake DWP payment stories — like the supposed £780 extra payment — gain traction because they use emotional hooks such as
“Check if you’re eligible now” or “Apply before it’s too late.”
These posts are designed to go viral, especially in Facebook groups where benefit claimants share updates.
How does misinformation harm genuine claimants?
False information causes:
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Unnecessary anxiety among benefit recipients
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Confusion about real payment schedules
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Higher risk of phishing attacks and identity theft
What steps is the DWP taking to stop benefit-related scams?
The DWP regularly:
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Issues fraud-awareness campaigns
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Shares warnings on social media
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Collaborates with Action Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to take down fake sites
How Can You Stay Informed About Genuine DWP Support in 2025?
Where to find accurate updates about new payments?
You can rely on:
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GOV.UK – Benefits and Support Section
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DWP press office announcements
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BBC News and other verified UK media outlets
How to register for government updates?
You can sign up for email alerts on GOV.UK to receive instant updates about real payments, eligibility changes, and policy updates.
Conclusion
The viral “DWP £780 benefits extra payment” is not real. There is no government scheme, payment, or code by that name in any official DWP document. While the rumour continues to circulate online, it’s a hoax likely created for clicks or scams. However, genuine cost-of-living payments are still active and automatically paid to eligible claimants in 2025.
Always check information directly at www.gov.uk/dwp to stay safe and informed.
FAQs
Is the DWP £780 benefits extra payment real?
No. There’s no such official DWP scheme or payment.
What are the real DWP extra payments in 2025?
The government offers cost-of-living, disability, and pensioner payments confirmed by GOV.UK.
Why am I seeing DWP £780 messages online?
They come from fake posts or scams circulating on social media.
Does the DWP ever ask for bank details by text?
No. The DWP never contacts claimants by text or email for personal data.
Who will get the 780 payment?
Anyone on eligible low-income DWP benefits who has met all qualifying conditions set by the DWP during the assessment period will get the £780 payment.
I’m Joe Chris, co-author at ukbusinessmag.co.uk and a long-time enthusiast of all things business and finance. My background is in digital marketing and e-commerce, and I love diving into trends that impact the UK business landscape. Through my writing, I aim to make useful, real-world advice accessible to business owners.
