The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for a number of payments, including hundreds of pounds to be sent to UK households claiming certain benefits
As the weather turns colder and Christmas looms, many Brits are already feeling the financial pinch.
However, there may be some relief in sight as the government plans to roll out specific payments to help ease the burden. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue payments of hundreds of pounds to UK households claiming certain benefits. There are also other schemes that the general public should be aware of.
Several initiatives such as the Household Support Fund, the Warm Home Discount, and the Winter Fuel Payment are set to benefit countless people in the coming months. Other schemes include Cold Weather Payments and the DWP’s Christmas Bonus.
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If all these payments arrive before the year ends, those eligible could receive up to £1,085. Here’s a breakdown of each scheme and how to check your eligibility, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Household Support Fund: £130 – £600
The Household Support Fund (HSF) will run from April 2025 to March 2026. It offers financial support to local councils, who can then use the funds to assist vulnerable households with essential living costs. This initiative is a continuation of the DWP’s efforts to support those most affected by the rising cost of living.
Should you satisfy the requirements outlined by your local authority, you might be eligible for assistance worth up to £600 in certain regions across the UK – simply check your local council’s website for details.
You’ll likely need to get in touch with your local authority directly to discover what particular forms of help are on offer and the application process. Certain councils might offer direct payments to qualifying households, including those receiving Council Tax Reduction.
Manchester City Council’s website states: “The Household Support Fund helps vulnerable households affected by the cost-of-living crisis. If you qualify for a targeted payment of £130, payment will be made in October/November 2025. Only one payment will be made for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.”
Over £740 million has been allocated to County Councils and Unitary Authorities across England to assist struggling households. The scheme aims to provide financial aid to families on low incomes, enabling them to spend the money on food shopping, utility bills, or other essential purchases, especially for those who might not be entitled to alternative government backing.
Warm Home Discount: £150
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) programme provides a one-off £150 reduction on your electricity bill. Should you be eligible, your energy supplier will automatically apply this discount to your account. The money won’t be paid out as cash. If you’re eligible, the discount will be applied automatically.
The WHD scheme for winter 2025/2026 is set to kick off across England, Wales and Scotland in the upcoming months. The one-off £150 discount will be applied between November 2025 and March 31, 2026, at the latest.
Winter Fuel Payment: £200 – £300
For the winter season of 2025 to 2026, the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales is pegged at £200 for households with someone aged between the State Pension age and 79, and £300 for those with a member aged 80 or older.
This payment is intended for individuals born on or before September 21, 1959, and recipients can anticipate receiving a letter in October or November detailing their eligibility and payment information. If your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC may reclaim the payment through the tax system.
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DWP Christmas Bonus: £10
Those eligible for specific benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus in December 2025. This one-time, tax-free payment will be automatically credited to recipients in the first week of December and will appear on bank statements as ‘DWP XB’. To qualify, you need to have been receiving a qualifying benefit during the qualifying week in December.
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the payment by January 1, 2025, get in touch with the Jobcentre Plus office handling your benefits or the Pension Service. The £10 Christmas Bonus was first introduced in 1972 and has remained the same ever since, despite inflation. There are calls for the bonus to be increased to reflect its original value.
Cold Weather Payments: £25
The government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme is heavily reliant on weather conditions. During the period from 2025 to 2026, you can receive a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for every seven-day period when the average temperature in your area drops to 0C or lower, or is forecasted to do so, from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
These payments are automatically sent by the government to individuals on certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and other qualifying benefits. To determine if your area qualifies and to check if you should have received a payment, simply use the Cold Weather Payment checker on the GOV.UK website.
When you visit the GOV.UK website, input your postcode to see if your local weather station has recorded or is predicting 0C or below for seven consecutive days. If you claim Universal Credit, you can check your online journal for updates. If you believe you are owed a payment but haven’t received it, you can contact the relevant department directly.