The Department for Work and Pensions has shared a list of three ‘winter benefits’ available to many people
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined three ‘winter benefits’ accessible during the colder months. These financial support schemes are typically available to people claiming certain benefits or those born before a particular date, and can help cover rising bills.
“Three winter benefits you could apply for,” the DWP said yesterday on X. “As the weather gets colder, you could get help with your bills To find out more search for ‘winter benefits’ at https://gov.uk.”
The Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment were the three key benefits highlighted by the DWP. Whilst you can visit GOV.UK for further information about them, we’ve also explained what they involve and the eligibility requirements below.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free benefit designed to assist older people with their heating expenses during the colder months. Only people born before September 22, 1959, who are currently living in England or Wales, are eligible.
The sum you can receive is also affected by your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025, which is referred to as the ‘qualifying week’. This can differ depending on other benefits you receive, including Pension Credit, Income Support and several others.
Nevertheless, generally, if you live alone or no one else you live with is eligible for the payment, you could get either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
Meanwhile, if you and a partner jointly claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support, you might get:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945
Official advice from GOV.UK adds: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.
“The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”
Northern Ireland also provides its own Winter Fuel Payment with identical eligibility criteria, but applicants will need to refer to NI Direct for further instructions. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP).
More information for England and Wales can be found here.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply this reduction automatically to your bill.
Eligible residents in England and Wales typically don’t need to apply for the discount, as the scheme doesn’t provide direct payments to households. However, Scottish residents on a low income must apply by contacting their energy supplier.
Advice from GOV.UK adds: “You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.”
Importantly, qualification criteria for the Warm Home Discount vary depending on your location. In England and Wales, you may qualify if you’re receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income.
To be classified as having a low income, the Government stipulates that you must have met the following criteria as of August 24, 2025:
Qualifying means-tested benefits generally include the following:
- Housing Benefit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- the ‘Savings Credit’ part of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Typically, qualifying people in England and Wales receive letters between October 2025 and January 2026. However, if you believe you’re eligible but do not receive a letter within this period, it’s advised to contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
You can also find out more information here.
Cold Weather Payment
Cold Weather Payments are additional benefits provided to people receiving specific benefits during periods of very cold weather. These are issued when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecasted to be zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven consecutive days.
Generally, you will receive £25 for each seven-day interval of very cold weather occurring from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. People in England and Wales may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if they receive:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
However, exactly whether you qualify will largely depend on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you are claiming Universal Credit, you and your partner must not be employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’ in order to receive the benefit.
To verify your eligibility and the criteria for Cold Weather Payments in Northern Ireland, visit the NI Direct website. If you live in Scotland, you are not eligible for Cold Weather Payments, but you might receive an annual Winter Heating Payment instead.
For more information on England and Wales, click here.