Pensioners in the UK should be on the lookout for direct payments worth up to £1,440 landing in their bank accounts before Christmas. With the cost of living still high, these payments can provide much-needed help. For those over the age of 66, there are several payments available, some of which will be sent automatically. Here is a full list of payments to keep an eye out for ahead of the festive season.
Winter Fuel Payment – £100 to £300
The Winter Fuel Payment is typically worth between £100 and £300 for individuals over the state pension age. To qualify, the following criteria must be met:
- You were born on or before September 25, 1957.
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 18 to 24, 2023 (known as the qualifying week).
If you meet the criteria but do not receive the payment automatically, you will need to apply on the government's website. Automatic payments are usually made between November and December, and should be received by January 2024 at the latest. If you haven't received your payment by then, contact the office that pays your benefits, as detailed in the letters they have sent you.
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment – £300
Those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment also automatically qualify for a £300 "pensioner cost of living payment" this winter. Postal applications open on September 18, while applications by phone open from October 4. The eligibility criteria for this payment are the same as the Winter Fuel Payment:
- You were born on or before September 25, 1957.
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 18 to 24, 2023 (known as the qualifying week).
You should receive this payment automatically.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
Some individuals over the age of 66 may qualify for the Cold Weather Payment if they are also receiving pension credit. This payment provides £25 to eligible households to help with essential costs during periods when temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for at least seven days. The Cold Weather Payment scheme is open between November 1 and March 31 each year. You can receive this payment multiple times, with £25 granted for every seven-day period of zero or below temperatures. To qualify, you need to be in receipt of:
- Pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for mortgage interest
You can check if your area is due a payment by using the government's online tool.
Winter Fuel Allowance – £100 to £300
The Winter Fuel Allowance is an automatic, annual tax-free payment made to eligible UK residents of a certain age to help cover heating costs during the winter months. To be eligible, you must:
- Be born on or before September 25, 1956 (at least 65 years old).
- Be in receipt of the state pension.
- Be in receipt of another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit).
- Live in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, starting from Monday, September 19, 2022.
If you have not lived in the UK during the qualifying period, you will not be eligible for the payment automatically. The amount you receive depends on your age and household circumstances, typically ranging from £100 to £300.
Second Cost of Living Payment – £300
A second cost of living payment, worth £300, will be sent to eligible individuals' bank accounts during the autumn or winter period. The exact date has not been announced yet. To qualify for this payment, you must receive pension credit. You do not need to apply for it, as it will be sent automatically.
Winter Heating Payment – £55
The winter heating payment is specific to households in Scotland and replaces the cold weather payment received by households in other parts of the UK. The payment for this year will be £55.05 and will be sent automatically to households in November. You will qualify if you receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
DWP £10 Bonus
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) gives eligible households a Christmas bonus of £10 each year. While it may seem like a small amount, every little helps during the costly holiday season. The payment is usually made in the first full week of December. You will qualify if you receive the state pension, pension credit, or other means-tested benefits. The £10 Christmas bonus is paid automatically and will be deposited into the same account where you receive your benefit payments. It should appear in your statement as "DWP XB" or something similar. If you believe you qualify but do not receive the payment automatically, contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.
Warm Home Discount – £150
The Warm Home Discount is available to individuals on the lowest incomes to help with rising costs. In England and Wales, you do not need to apply for this cash; you will automatically qualify if you are receiving certain benefits. In Scotland, some customers will need to apply. Energy suppliers will automatically apply the £150 discount if you were receiving eligible benefits on or before August 21. The discount will not be paid to you directly but will be credited to your electricity account between October and April.
For more information on these payments, visit the government's website.
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