DWP update as people on certain benefits to get £200 cost of living payment

Individuals on certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are set to receive additional payments this winter to assist with living costs. The DWP has injected an extra £421 million into its Household Support Fund, which is distributed among local authorities in England. Additional funds have been allocated to devolved social security administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Local councils will determine how best to utilise these funds to support their residents. The DWP has extended the Household Support Fund until March 31, 2025. To qualify for these cost of living payments, applicants may need to provide evidence of receiving certain means-tested benefits, reports Cambridgeshire Live .



In Cambridgeshire, households can access financial support from the fund if they currently reside in the county, have £16,000 or less in cash, savings, and investments, and have low income levels. This varies depending on whether the household includes a single adult or a couple, and the number of children in the household. Furthermore, individuals may be eligible if they receive Council Tax Support, Sure Start Maternity Grant, Free School Meals Vouchers, or are part of the Healthy Start scheme.

The application process involves answering questions about energy bill arrears, reduced gas and electricity usage due to debt, food bank usage, and engagement with support services for issues like homelessness, addiction, debt management, domestic abuse, immigration, or mental health The Cambridgeshire County Council website indicates that while the funding is available to all, applications from certain households are especially encouraged. These include disabled individuals with higher utility bills, those receiving housing benefit, and individuals who are eligible for but not claiming any qualifying benefits. The DWP also urges local authorities to allocate a portion of their funding to assist state pensioners who narrowly miss out on Pension Credit and, consequently, will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment due to the scheme's restriction to means-tested benefit recipients.

.