People in the UK who qualify might get over £1,000 before the end of the year
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
12:38, 16 Nov 2025
The government has various schemes to help those in financial need (Image: Getty )
Although Christmas is more than a month away, many people are already thinking about it as the weather grows colder and stores begin to sell more holiday items. For some, this time can be tough due to financial difficulties; however, they may receive some assistance from the government as we approach December 25.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning to give out special one-off payments, including hundreds of pounds, to UK households that receive certain benefits. There are also other programs that everyone should be aware of, which can benefit the general public.
The Household Support Fund, the Warm Home Discount, and the Winter Fuel Payment are just a few that many people will likely benefit from in the next few months. Other programs include Cold Weather Payments and the DWP’s Christmas Bonus.
People who qualify for everything could receive up to £1,085, and if they’re lucky, they may receive all payments by the end of the year. Below is a summary of each payment; make sure to check if you qualify for any of them.
The DWP is the part of the UK government that takes care of welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policies. As the largest public service department in the country, it administers numerous benefits. These include benefits for working-age people, those with disabilities, and those who are ill. The DWP also helps people look for jobs through Jobcentre Plus.
The payments will be welcomed by many struggling UK households(Image: Getty )
Cold Weather payments: £25
The Cold Weather Payment scheme from the government relies a lot on the weather. From November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, you can receive a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for every week when the average temperature in your area drops to 0C or lower, or is expected to do so.
These payments are automatically given to people who receive certain benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and other qualifying benefits. To see if your area is eligible and to check if you should have received a payment, you can use the Cold Weather Payment checker on the GOV.UK website. When you go to the GOV.UK website, just enter your postcode to find out if your local weather station has reported or is predicting temperatures of 0C or below for seven days in a row.
If you are on Universal Credit, you can also look at your online journal for updates. If you believe you should have received a payment but haven’t, you can reach out to the appropriate 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 that have someone who is 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 meant for people who were born on or before September 21, 1959.
Those who qualify can expect to get a letter in October or November that will inform them about their eligibility and the details of their payment. If your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC might take back the payment through the tax system.
The HSF is designed to help struggling households with essentials
Household Support Fund: £130 – £600
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is set to operate from April 2025 until March 2026. It offers financial aid to local councils, which can then use this money to assist vulnerable families with necessary items and other living expenses. This program continues the same initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that helps those who are most in need as the cost of living increases.
If you qualify based on what your local council says, you might get help of up to £600 in certain areas of the UK – just check your local council’s website to learn more. You will likely have to reach out to your local council to find out what types of help are available and how to apply for them. Some councils might give direct payments to households that meet the criteria, like those who receive Council Tax Reduction.
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 provided to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to help families in need. This fund aims to offer financial help to low-income households, enabling them to spend the money on food, bills, or other essential things, especially for those who might not be eligible for other forms of government aid.
DWP Christmas Bonus: £10
People who qualify for certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus in December 2025. This one-time, tax-free payment will automatically show up in the first week of December and will be listed on bank statements as ‘DWP XB’.
To qualify, you must have been receiving a qualifying benefit during the qualifying week in December. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received the payment by January 1, 2025, contact the 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 requesting that the bonus be increased to reflect its original value.
Warm Home Discount: £150
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) program offers a one-time discount of £150 on your electricity bill. If you meet the requirements, your electricity company will directly apply this discount to your bill.
You won’t get the money in cash. Usually, if you qualify, the discount will be added automatically. The WHD program for winter 2025/2026 is expected to start soon in England, Wales, and Scotland. The one-time £150 discount will be applied from November 2025 until March 31, 2026, at the latest.
