Families, pensioners and disabled people can claim a vital one-off payment to ease the financial pressures as winter approaches. Whether it’s help with heating bills or a grant for carers, these schemes offer much-needed support. But who qualifies, and how can you claim before the New Year?
One-off Payments for Families and Pensioners Due Before the New Year — Full List and Key Dates
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 23 November 2024 06:55
Millions of people over State Pension age had been hoping for a reversal of the UK Government’s decision to change the eligibility rules for Winter Fuel Payments during the Autumn Budget. Despite strong campaigns by charities, unions, organizations, and consumer advocate Martin Lewis, 10 million pensioners will not receive up to £300 this winter to assist with higher heating costs.
However, there are a range of one-off payments available before the New Year to support households of all types and sizes, including individuals, families, pensioners, and disabled people. Some of these payments are only available in Scotland, and a few are means-tested, but the Scottish Government has received £41 million to bolster its equivalent of the Household Support Fund.
If you’re struggling financially, whether in or out of work, contact your local council to explain your circumstances and access potential support. Here is a detailed guide to financial help available this winter.
Winter Fuel Payment: £100-£300
The Winter Fuel Payment, managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will continue to help pensioners with heating costs, but eligibility changes mean fewer people qualify for the higher £300 payment.
- Eligibility:
- Pensioners born before September 23, 1944, will receive £300.
- Those aged 66–79 will get £200.
- Care home residents qualify for £100.
- Pensioners over 66 must be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit, during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024.
Payments are tax-free and will not affect other benefits. The Scottish Government has adopted the eligibility changes for its Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, with 125,000 Scottish pensioners receiving payments this winter. Administration will transfer to Social Security Scotland in 2025/26.
- Payment schedule: Most payments will be made automatically in November or December, with letters sent to all pensioners detailing the amount they’ll receive.
Late claims for Pension Credit made before December 21, 2024, that later succeed, will also qualify for backdated Winter Fuel Payments. You can find full details on payments here.
Child Winter Heating Payment: £251.50
In Scotland, the Child Winter Heating Payment provides targeted support for families with disabled children or young people under 19.
- Eligibility: Children receiving qualifying disability benefits, such as the highest care component of Child Disability Payment or Disability Living Allowance for Children, qualify automatically. The payment also applies to those receiving the enhanced daily living rate of PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
- Payment schedule: Payments began in October 2024 and continue into November, with letters sent to eligible families. The qualifying week was September 16-22, 2024.
This £251.50 lump sum is designed to help with higher heating costs during colder months. Full payment details are available here.
Winter Heating Payment: £58.75
The Winter Heating Payment, available only in Scotland, replaces the Cold Weather Payment previously delivered by the DWP. Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, it is not dependent on a sustained period of low temperatures, but is instead a fixed annual payment.
- Eligibility: Individuals on income-related benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, and others, qualify.
- Payment schedule: Payments will begin in mid-December 2024, with the majority of households receiving the funds before the end of February 2025.
Social Security Scotland will notify eligible households before making payments, and recipients need not apply. Full details on how to make payments can be found here.
Warm Home Discount: £150
The Warm Home Discount Scheme, managed by energy suppliers, provides a £150 credit to help with energy costs.
- Eligibility: People on low incomes or receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit qualify.
- Payment schedule: The discount is applied directly to electricity accounts. Prepayment meter users will receive a voucher to top up their meters.
Visit your energy supplier’s website to confirm if they are accepting new claims.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement: £288.60
This payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, is provided to unpaid carers receiving Carer’s Allowance.
- Eligibility: Carers must have been in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on October 7, 2024.
- Payment date: The £288.60 supplement will be automatically deposited on Friday, December 6, 2024.
DWP Christmas Bonus: £10
The DWP Christmas Bonus is a small, tax-free £10 payment issued to those receiving certain benefits during the qualifying week, usually the first full week of December.
- Eligibility: Recipients of benefits like Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, PIP, and others qualify.
- Payment schedule: Payments are automatic and deposited separately from regular benefits.
Scottish Household Support Fund
The Scottish Government has allocated £41 million to enhance its Household Support Fund equivalent, providing further financial support to struggling individuals. Contact your local council for assistance and guidance on accessing these funds.