DWP urges Britons to check eligibility for support schemes worth up to £4,375 this winter (Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people to check if they qualify for extra financial support this winter. Households may be eligible for support worth around £4,375 a year, making it vital for people to see if they meet certain benefit criteria.
Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds said: “As we head into the winter months, I want to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are getting the support they need, and that’s why we have a range of measures targeted at helping low-income households.”
The Cold Weather Payment scheme opens take effect from today, with low-income households set to get £25 during cold snaps.
Additionally, the Warm Home Discount, which pays £150 towards energy bills, will also start circulating for those eligible.
On top of this, pensioners are being urged to check eligibility for Pension Credit, which is worth an average of £3,900 a year and grants access to claim the Winter Fuel Payment. This is worth up to £300.
READ MORE: DWP Cold Weather Payment scheme opens today – check if you’re eligible
Some DWP payments are made automatically, while others must be claimed. (Image: Getty)
Ms Reynolds continued: “With the dire state of the public finances, we have had to make some tough choices, including means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment so that it goes to those most in need.
“And while these choices were not made lightly, this Government is doing everything it can to ensure maximum take-up of Pension Credit.”
Cold Weather Payments – £25
The Cold Weather Payment scheme offers eligible households financial support when the weather drops below a certain level for an extended period of time.
The scheme, which is offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), runs until March 31, and people are awarded £25 per seven days the average temperature in their area falls to zero degrees or below.
The £25 payments will be paid automatically to households receiving certain benefits including, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, and Support for Mortgage Interest.
Some may be eligible for £150 off energy bills through the Warm Home Discount (Image: Getty)
The Warm Home Discount – £150
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 rebate on households’ electricity bills.
Eligible households can automatically receive this payment if they’re receiving the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, or are on a low income and have high energy costs.
Other qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA),income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Most qualifying households should expect to receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming their eligibility between November and January. The payment is then made directly to the household’s energy provider between November and March.
Pension Credit – £3,900
Pension Credit is targeted to help people over state pension age (currently 66) and on a low income with daily living costs, but people do not need to receive the state pension to get this
People may get extra amounts if they have other responsibilities and costs. The top-up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’. Currently, the rates for the standard guarantee element top people’s income up to:
- Single-person household: £218.15 per week
- Couple: £332.95 per week.
Additional amounts for severe disability include:
- Single: £81.50
- Couple (one qualifies): £81.50
- Couple (both qualify): £163.00.
Full details on additional payments for carers, children and savings credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
Claiming Pension Credit also opens the door to a range of extra benefits, freebies, and discounts, such as a free TV licence and council tax reduction.
People can also qualify for the DWP’s Winter Fuel Discount if they claim.
Winter Fuel Discount – up to £300
For those still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, up to £300 is available to help cover heating costs.
People can qualify for the payment in Winter 2024 to 2025 if they were born before September 23, 1958, and live in England or Wales while receiving one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support.
Britons are also being urged to check if they can claim money or vouchers from their local council this winter through the Household Support Fund.
Houshold Support Fund
The Household Support Fund, which has been extended for a fourth year, is targeted at the most vulnerable households and is typically used to help them with the cost of essentials like groceries, toiletries, and energy bills.
The Government has added a further £421million to the pot, which is allocated to local authorities across England to distribute to constituents most in need. The pot is available from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
Councils in England decide how best to allocate their fund by drawing from local knowledge and making direct contact with people in the community. The portion of funding each council receives is based on the size of the population within its catchment area and its needs.
For a few examples of how local authorities have previously used the fund, Birmingham City Council distributed grants of up to £200 to help households with food costs and energy payments.
In Plymouth, eligible residents could receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers.
People can find out how much their area was awarded at GOV.UK and can check their council’s website or call their office to find out what support is available locally to them through the fund.
