Who can get it?

If you get means-tested benefits like Pension Credit you will get a Cost of Living Payment in 2022. It will be paid in two parts – one from July and the other in autumn. If you have reached State Pension age, you will also get a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. If you claim disability benefits like Attendance Allowance, you will get an extra payment. You must’ve been claiming a disability benefit from May 2022 to qualify.

There will also be another round of Cost of Living Payments in 2023/24. These will include the standard payment, the Pensioner Payment and the Disability payment.

How much is it worth?

In 2022 the standard Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £650. The Pensioner Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £300. The Disability Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £150.

In 2023/24 the standard Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £900. The Pensioner Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £300 and the Disability Cost of Living Payment is worth up to £150.

How do I get it?

In 2022, you have to claim Pension Credit to get the standard Cost of Living Payment. To get the Pensioner Payment, you have to claim Winter Fuel Payment. To get the Disability Cost of Living Payment, you have to be getting disability benefits like Attendance Allowance or Scottish Disability Benefits from May 2022. Any payments you do get will be paid on top of any other benefits you already get and won’t affect them.

The Department of Work and Pensions hasn’t stated how to claim the Cost of Living Payments for 2023/24 yet, but you can check gov.uk for any updates.

Who can get it?

Anyone who lives in England, Scotland or Wales qualifies for the discount.

How much is it worth?

The Energy Bills Support Scheme is a £400 discount on your energy bills over winter 2022-2023. You won’t have to pay it back.

How do I get it?

It is applied directly to your energy bill, so you don’t have to do anything to claim it. You’ll still get a discount if you’re in arrears on your electricity bill.

The discount will start being applied in October 2022, and will continue until March 2023. You’ll get a £66 discount in October and November, and a £67 discount in December, January, February and March.

If you use a prepayment meter, you will automatically get equivalent vouchers, which you will have to redeem. These will apply from the first week of each month. They will either come as a redeemable voucher (either through SMS text, email or post), or an automatic credit when you top up.

For more information about help available if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, visit our page Managing your energy bills.

Who can get it?

People who have reached State Pension age and lived in the UK for at least one day during 'qualifying week'. This changes every year, but you can check what it is at Gov.uk. For 2022/23 the qualifying week is 19 to 25 September 2022.

How much is it worth?

You’ll get between £250 and £600 each winter. Most payments are made automatically between November and December. The payment you get is based on your age, whether you receive certain benefits and who you live with. If you live with someone else who qualifies, the payment is split between you. Winter Fuel Payment is also tax free.

In 2023/24 you will get an Alternative Fuels Payment if you live off-grid and use alternative fuels. Alternative fuels can mean heating oil, liquified petroleum gas, coal or biomass to heat your home. This will be worth up to £200.

How do I get it?

You should get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically through your State Pension. You will also get it if you're claiming benefits like Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance. If you haven't been given it by 13^th January, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline to make a claim on 0800 731 0160. You only need to claim once – after this, you’ll receive payments automatically every year. Visit Gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment for more information.

Who can get it?

Cold Weather Payments are made if the average temperature is 0°C or lower for seven days in a row in your area. You might be eligible if you’re getting Pension Credit or certain other benefits like Support for Mortgage Interest. You won’t qualify if you’re living in a care home.

How much is it worth?

Each time the average temperature falls below 0°C for seven days in a row between 1 November and 31 March, you'll receive £25.

How do I get it?

After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. Getting it won’t affect any of your other benefits.

This year’s scheme started on 1 November. If you qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you should receive them automatically. If you think you should have received a payment but haven’t, contact your pension centre.

Who can get it?

To get the discount, you must:

• qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit
• have yours or your partner’s name on the bill, and
• be with a supplier that is signed up to the Warm Home Discount scheme.

How much is it worth?

The money isn’t paid to you but will be taken off your energy bill by your energy supplier. It is worth £150.

How do I get it?

Check if your energy supplier is signed up to the scheme at Gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/energy-supplier. You could also call the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 731 0214.