The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is delivering a financial lifeline to millions of households this winter. Up to £985 in total support will be provided through a mix of five different payments and schemes, arriving before Christmas 2025 to help vulnerable families and pensioners cover rising energy and living costs.
This combined winter package includes the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, DWP Christmas Bonus, Cold Weather Payments, and the Household Support Fund.
Breakdown of the £985 DWP Support Package
| Payment Scheme | Amount | Payment Window | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Home Discount | £150 (one-off) | Between October 2025 – March 2026 | Low-income or pension households, automatically applied to energy account |
| Winter Fuel Payment | Up to £300 | Paid by December 2025 | Pensioners aged 66+ with income below £35,000 |
| DWP Christmas Bonus | £10 (one-off) | First full week of December 2025 | On 23 eligible benefits including State Pension, PIP, Carer’s Allowance |
| Cold Weather Payments | £25 per cold week | 1 November 2025 – 31 March 2026 | Triggered when 0°C or below for 7 days; certain benefits required |
| Household Support Fund | Up to £500 | Rolling (before Christmas) | Vulnerable families via local councils, depends on family size and need |
Together, these schemes can provide as much as £985 of support per household before Christmas.
Warm Home Discount – £150 Credit on Energy Bills
The Warm Home Discount gives £150 off winter electricity bills for low-income and pension households. It is not paid in cash but credited directly to your electricity account between October and March.
If you are eligible, you do not need to apply—DWP and energy suppliers apply it automatically if you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or other qualifying means-tested benefits.
Winter Fuel Payment – Up to £300 for Pensioners
Around 9 million pensioners in England and Wales will receive up to £300 as a Winter Fuel Payment this year. This support goes to those aged 66 or above, with an annual income of £35,000 or less.
This will be paid by December 2025, helping pensioners manage their energy costs during peak winter months.
DWP Christmas Bonus – £10 Festive Boost
The Christmas Bonus is a tax-free £10 payment given to people on certain benefits such as the State Pension, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and more.
It is automatically paid in early December to those who qualify during the first full week of December.
Cold Weather Payments – £25 Per Cold Week
If temperatures fall to 0°C or lower for seven consecutive days, qualifying households can receive £25 per cold week from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.
You must be on certain benefits (like Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit) to be eligible.
Household Support Fund – Up to £500
The Household Support Fund, managed by local councils and funded by the DWP, can offer up to £500 for families with children. Most councils typically give £150–£300, with higher amounts for larger households.
This fund is meant to help pay for essentials like food, clothing, heating, and other urgent household costs.
With energy prices still high and winter expenses mounting, the DWP’s £985 winter support package will provide vital relief to struggling households before Christmas 2025.
By combining the Warm Home Discount (£150), Winter Fuel Payment (up to £300), Christmas Bonus (£10), Cold Weather Payments (£25 per cold week), and the Household Support Fund (up to £500), millions of families and pensioners can stay warm and secure this holiday season.
Eligible households should ensure they are registered for benefits, check local council schemes, and confirm energy supplier participation to receive the full support available.
FAQs
When will the £985 DWP support be paid?
Most payments will arrive between October and December 2025, with Cold Weather Payments running until March 2026.
Do I need to apply for these DWP payments?
Most are automatic, like the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment, though the Household Support Fund requires applying via your local council.
Who can get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Pensioners aged 66+ with income below £35,000 will receive up to £300 by December 2025.
