UK households could receive up to £3,225 in Cost of Living payments by Christmas, with various schemes offering vital support.
£3,225 Free Cash for Struggling Households: Full List of Winter Cost of Living Payments
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 29 September 2024 12:35
Thousands of pounds worth of cash could be in British bank accounts by Christmas thanks to a series of schemes designed to help households. As temperatures begin to fall, the UK government is offering significant support to those on benefits.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has several programs providing aid to people receiving benefits. These include initiatives such as the Warm Home Discount, which offers £150 from energy suppliers, and a £10 Christmas Bonus for those eligible.
These schemes are available to individuals claiming some of the most widely-accessed benefits. Among them are Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and both the old and new State Pension.
List of Cost of Living Free Cash Available for Households
£150 Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount scheme offers eligible households a one-time reduction of £150 on their energy bills between October and March. Pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit automatically qualify, along with some Universal Credit recipients with high energy costs. Energy companies determine eligibility, and qualifying individuals will be notified by letter.
£300 Winter Fuel Payment
This year's Winter Fuel Payment will be provided to retirees receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits. Households on benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit, and Jobseeker's Allowance will automatically qualify unless they live abroad.
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
To claim by post, applicants can access the claim form from September 30 on the government's website.
£25 Cold Weather Payment
Starting from November 1, 2024, the Cold Weather Payment scheme offers £25 for every seven-day period where the average temperature falls to zero degrees or below. This payment is available until March 31, 2025, and is provided to individuals on certain low-income benefits. Payments are automatic, but may require an application in specific cases.
£10 Christmas Bonus
Eligible benefit claimants will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus, typically paid during the first week of December. Benefits qualifying for the bonus include:
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer's Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
No application is necessary, as the bonus will be automatically deposited into registered payment accounts.
Household Support Fund – Up to £740
Local councils will administer the Household Support Fund (HSF), providing support to households facing financial hardship. This fund is set to continue into winter, with some councils starting their programs in October. Eligibility varies, but in Plymouth, for example, residents could receive up to £740 in vouchers. It's advised to check local authority websites for further details and application processes.
Energy Grants – Up to £2,000
Energy companies are offering grants of up to £2,000 to help individuals struggling with high energy costs. These grants can be used to write off energy debts or cover bill payments. Households facing financial difficulties should contact their energy supplier directly to explore available options.