DWP and HMRC payment dates - including £300 payout

Many people across the UK will be thinking about turning their heating on as the weather gets chillier. However, how to pay for it will remain the main question on peoples' minds this winter.

The good news is that benefits and payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are available to some households. They can help with essential costs to help with bills throughout the colder months.

Universal Credit is claimed by millions of Brits and is paid monthly by the DWP. It is usually paid straight into your bank and can include money for rent or other housing costs.

Meanwhile, Carer’s allowance, tax credits (from HMRC) and child benefits are paid either weekly or every four weeks. Then maternity allowance is sent every two or every four weeks.

The DWP said that if the date you usually expect your benefit payment falls on a weekend then you will be paid the working day before. The same applies for bank holidays.

State pension is also paid every four weeks. Your first payment date will be no later than five weeks after the date you choose after signing up.

Winter fuel payment 2024

The chancellor Rachel Reeves recently confirmed that the winter fuel payment will be given to people on pension credit and other benefits this winter. It is worth up to £300.

Pension credit is an additional benefit for those on the lowest incomes. The DWP said that people in England and Wales who receive the following benefits will also qualify:

• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024.