DWP to issue extra payments worth up to £519 to families this winter
Thousands of families could be in line for a series of extra payments and energy bill assistance in the coming months from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Scottish Government.
There are three cash payments and one which is paid directly to energy suppliers, which are worth up to £519.75 in additional support.
It's crucial to note that most of these payments will not be issued until November at the earliest, but it's something to consider now when planning household budgets for autumn - especially as energy bills typically skyrocket over the colder months due to higher usage. This comes after reports DWP state pensioners are set to be given 'extra £352' completely free.
Winter Fuel Payment - up to £300
More than nine million pensioners in England and Wales will automatically receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment following a U-turn by the UK Government, reflecting the poor reception their initial decision - to limit the annual heating allowance to pensioners receiving a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit - received.
Payments of £200 will be awarded to those aged between 66 and 79, or £300 for those aged 80 and over, will be automatically issued later this year to pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Pensioners earning over £35,000 annually will not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. Those exceeding this income limit will be required to repay the amount either through PAYE or a Self Assessment tax return. Note that an opt-out option has also been introduced, which pensioners must complete before September 15 - full details can be found on GOV.UK.
Following this announcement, the Scottish Government confirmed it will adopt the same policy change for all pensioners born prior to September 22, 1959. In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This is worth between £101.70 and £305.10.
Warm Home Discount - £150
The Warm Home Discount Scheme for this winter is expected to open in October and will provide people on certain benefits with a £150 reduction on their electricity bill.
This direct payment will be made between October and March. If your supplier provides both gas and electricity, you may be eligible to get the discount off your gas bill instead - so make sure to contact them once the scheme opens to find out.
If you're a credit customer, the £150 will be added to your electricity account. If you're on Pay As You Go or Prepayment, you'll receive a voucher that you can use to top-up your meter.
This winter, eligibility rules have been adjusted to support more households - read here to find out more.
DWP Christmas Bonus - £10
The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment, made to people receiving State Pension or certain other benefits during the qualifying week - estimated to be the first week of December.
This needs no application and should arrive in the account usually used for your state pension or benefit pay. Acting as a separate payment, receivers have been warned it may arrive on a different day.
Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only) - £59.75
Payments were distributed in December last year and are expected to be around the same time in 2025. You may be eligible for Winter Heating Payment automatically if you receive one of these benefits:
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Income Support or Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income Related Employment Support Allowance
Support for Mortgage Interest
The qualifying week for this year's payment will be in early November, typically the first full week. You can find out more on the dedicated pages on MYGOV.SCOT.
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