Various government schemes are in place to support people financially this winter
With Christmas just over a month away, the festive season is already on many people’s minds as the weather turns chillier and shops start to stock up on holiday items. For some, this period can be financially challenging; however, there may be some relief in sight from the government as we edge closer to December 25.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to distribute special one-off payments, including sums of hundreds of pounds, to UK households that are in receipt of certain benefits. There are also other schemes that everyone should be aware of, which could provide assistance to the wider public.
The Household Support Fund, the Warm Home Discount, and the Winter Fuel Payment are just a few initiatives that many individuals will likely benefit from in the coming months. Other schemes include Cold Weather Payments and the DWP’s Christmas Bonus.
Those who qualify for all these benefits could receive up to £1,085, and if they’re fortunate, they might receive all payments by the end of the year. Below is a breakdown of each payment; make sure to check if you’re eligible for any of them.
The DWP is the branch of the UK government responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policies. As the country’s largest public service department, it administers a range of benefits, reports the Manchester Evening News.
These include benefits for working-age individuals, those with disabilities, and those who are ill. The DWP also assists people in job hunting through Jobcentre Plus.
Cold Weather payments: £25
The government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme is heavily dependent on the weather. From 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, you can receive a £25 Cold Weather Payment for each week when the average temperature in your area plummets to 0C or lower, or is forecasted to do so.
These payments are automatically awarded to individuals who are on certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and other qualifying benefits. To determine if your area qualifies and to verify if you should have received a payment, you can utilise the Cold Weather Payment checker on the GOV.UK website.
Simply input your postcode on the GOV.UK website to discover if your local weather station has reported or is predicting temperatures of 0C or below for seven consecutive days. If you’re a Universal Credit recipient, you can also check your online journal for updates. If you think you should have received a payment but haven’t, you can contact the relevant department directly.
Winter Fuel payment: £200 – £300
For the winter season of 2025 to 2026, the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will be £200 for households with someone aged between the State Pension age and 79 years old, and £300 for those with a member who is 80 years old or older. This payment is intended for people who were born on or before 21 September 1959.
Those eligible should receive correspondence in October or November confirming their qualification and payment particulars. Should your earnings surpass £35,000, HMRC may reclaim the payment via the taxation system.
Household Support Fund: £130 – £600
The Household Support Fund (HSF) will run from April 2025 through to March 2026. It provides financial support to local authorities, enabling them to help vulnerable households with essential items and day-to-day living costs. This scheme extends the existing Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) programme supporting those most affected by rising living expenses.
Depending on your local authority’s criteria, assistance of up to £600 may be available in some parts of the UK – visit your council’s website for further details. You’ll probably need to contact your local authority directly to discover what support is on offer and how to make an application. Some authorities may issue direct payments to eligible households, such as those claiming Council Tax Reduction.
For example, a statement on the Manchester City Council website reads: “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 families in need. This fund is designed to provide financial support to low-income households, allowing them to spend the money on food, bills, or other essentials, particularly for those who may not qualify for other forms of government assistance.
DWP Christmas Bonus: £10
Those eligible for certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus in December 2025. This one-off, tax-free payment will automatically appear in the first week of December and will be listed on bank statements as ‘DWP XB’.
To be eligible, you must have been receiving a qualifying benefit during the qualifying week in December. If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received the payment by 1 January 2025, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office that handles your benefits or the Pension Service.
The £10 Christmas Bonus was first introduced in 1972 and has remained the same amount ever since, despite inflation. Many people are calling for the bonus to be increased to reflect its original value.
Warm Home Discount: £150
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme offers a one-time discount of £150 on your electricity bill. If you meet the criteria, your electricity company will directly apply this discount to your bill. The money won’t be given in cash. Typically, if you’re eligible, the discount will be applied automatically.
The WHD scheme for winter 2025/2026 is set to kick off soon in England, Wales, and Scotland. A one-off £150 discount will be applied from November 2025 until 31 March 2026 at the latest.
