DWP sending out free bonuses for Christmas - which could be up to £675

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to benefit claimants about free bonuses being deposited into bank accounts before Christmas. Some individuals who claim benefits could receive up to £675 as part of a significant Cost of Living adjustment.

Depending on eligibility, payments may include a £300 Winter Fuel Payment, a £150 Warm Home Discount, a £25 Cold Weather Payment, and a £200 Household Support Fund. To qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this year, you must have been born before 23 September 1958 and be claiming certain benefits between 16 September and 22 September 2024.

These benefits include Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Universal Credit, according to BirminghamLive. Even if you weren't claiming one of these benefits during the qualifying week, you might still be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, meaning you have until 21 December to apply and still be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. The Warm Home Discount scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), officially opened this month.

Eligible individuals should receive a letter in the post, but for some, it may take until mid-December to be contacted, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

The £150 will be received as a one-off discount applied directly to your electricity bill, rather than a bank payment. For those with traditional prepayment meters, a top-up voucher will be provided.

Dual fuel customers can inquire with their energy supplier about applying the discount to their gas bill instead. Eligible individuals may receive £25 Cold Weather Payments if they're receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

These payments are automatic for eligible recipients, no application is necessary. However, Jobcentre Plus should be informed if you have a newborn or if a child under five comes to live with you.

The £200 Household Support Fund is offered by some local councils. Eligibility can be checked by contacting your local council, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.