When winter hits, it usually means more money goes towards bills, especially for electricity or gas as you need to keep your home warm. winter.
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Some of these schemes are annual ones, while others are a one of payment. In total, there are 6 schemes in place this winter that can help you out and the total tally of money received can be up to £1,100.
So what are the schemes and are you eligible for them?
The second cost of living payment is due soon
As reported by Mirror, the second payment for the cost of living crisis is due this autumn. Those claiming certain Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC benefits can receive up to £300.
You can claim this money if you’re on:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The exact date of payment is yet to be announced, but in 2023, it was handed out in November.
The winter fuel payment
The next help you can receive is the winter fuel payment, between £100 and £300 for those born before September 24, 1957. The qualifying week for this payment is from September 18 to September 24 2023.
If you are eligible, you will receive a letter explaining how much you will receive. This money is typically handed out in November or in December, as per Mirror.
The pensioner cost of living payment
Pensioners who claimed the winter fuel payment are also eligible to receive an extra £300 for the winter of 2023. This money will be sent automatically at the same time as the winter fuel payment.
Read more: Weather alert: The UK issued an 11-hour yellow thunder warning that could pose a potential threat
Read more:
⋙ Brits to receive up to £600 for Winter Fuel Payment this year, check how much you can claim
⋙ Here’s when you can expect your next £324 cost-of-living payment
The cold weather payment
The cold weather payment is open from November to March 31, 2024, and if you are eligible, you could receive £25 for each seven-day period when the temperature is below zero degrees in your area.
For this government help, you need to claim one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
The warm home discount
For the warm home discount, you could get £150 off of your electricity bill for the winter of 2023 going into 2024. This government help won’t be paid into your bank account but will be applied to your energy count by your supplier. If you have a prepay meter, you should be sent a top-up voucher.
If you are eligible for this payment depends if your supplier has signed up for the scheme, you can check if yours is here. You also need to fit into one of two core groups in England and Wales:
- Core group 1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- Core group 2. If you’re on a low income, and getting certain means-tested benefit
The DWP bonus
The last payment is a £10 bonus payment for those claiming a qualifying DWP benefit. This payment is handed out every year. The extra £10 is tax-free and does not affect any other benefits you may also be claiming.
Sources used:
Mirror: ‘DWP payments totalling £1,100 hitting bank accounts before Christmas - see who is eligible’
