As winter ushers in some extremely cold weather, people in the UK are struggling more and more to cover costs. The DWP will send out 5 payments to help with the cost of living, all of which should be paid within the next few months. The total of all of these payments hits a substantial £750 - but not everyone is eligible for all of them.
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Here, we’ll list the payments, explain who is eligible for each, and note when the money should arrive in claimants’ bank accounts. Some of them are to be paid before Christmas, which should help with covering the extra costs of the festive period.
Winter fuel payment
This payment is worth up to £300, depending on a claimant’s circumstances. It is to be issued to Brits born before September 25, 1957 and who have lived in the UK for at least one day in the qualifying week (18 to 24 September 2023). For most, the money will be paid automatically and you will have already received a letter telling you how much you are entitled to.
The letter will also give you an estimated pay date, which is usually in November or December. If you haven't received a letter and believe you are eligible, you will need to actively claim the money - the deadline for this is March 2024.
Pensioner cost of living payment
In 2023, pensioners who receive the Winter fuel payment will also receive the Pensioner cost of living payment. As the latter is worth £300, households could potentially be paid as much as £600 to help with fuel costs this winter.
According to GOV.UK, this should be paid over winter 2023 to 2024, so you may be waiting until the new year to receive your payment.
Warm Home Discount
This one isn’t technically a payment, but it will save you money. It comes as a discount of £150 which is applied directly to your electricity bill. To be eligible, the Mirror explains: 'you will need to fall into one of two groups on the qualifying date which is August 13, 2023 - the groups are':
Core group 1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (In Scotland this is the "Core Group")
Core group 2. If you’re on a low income, and getting certain means-tested benefits (In Scotland this is the "Broader Group")
Alongside this, your energy supplier will need to be signed up for the scheme.
This is another one that may take until 2024 to come into action.
Cold weather payment
If temperatures drop below zero for seven days, this new scheme means that eligible households will receive a cash payment of £25. These take 2 weeks to arrive, and you may receive several if the weather remains extremely cold.
To be eligible, you have to be receiving one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support - if you have any of the following: disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element or a child under five living with you
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - if you have any of the following: disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element or a child under five living with you
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - if you have any of the following: severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element or a child under five living with you
- Universal Credit - if you are not employed or self-employed, and you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work, or you have a child under five living with you
- Support for Mortgage Interest - if you have any of the following: severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element or a child under five living with you
As the wintery weather ploughs on, these payments should offer some support to people as they manage expenses in the run up to Christmas.
Read more:
⋙ Are you due £300? Cost of living eligibility and start date of payments
⋙ This is how much money you should have in your savings account
Sources used:
Mirror: Five DWP cost of living payments being made in December worth over £750 - see who is eligible
GOV.UK: Cost of Living Payment 2023 to 2024 management information
