Millions of households could get up to £3,200 cost-of-living boost before Christmas - full list

A number of payments are available to help households cover the cost of essentials

Millions of households could be in line to receive up to £3,200 in cost-of-living support this winter. While some payments are automatic, others necessitate a claim, making it vital for individuals to be aware of the help available - particularly during the festive season when financial pressures often increase.

The Government has also tightened the eligibility criteria for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment, resulting in 10 million pensioners potentially facing an additional £300 in heating costs, reports the Express.

From assistance with energy bills to supermarket vouchers, here's a summary of some of the support options on offer.

Warm home discount - £150

The Warm Home Discount offers a one-time £150 reduction on household electricity bills. Households that qualify can automatically receive this payment if they're getting the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, or are on a low income and have high energy expenses.

Other eligible benefits include the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

Most qualifying households should anticipate receiving a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming their eligibility between November and January.

The payment is then made directly to the household's energy supplier between November and March.

Winter Fuel discount - up to £300

For those who are still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, they can receive up to £300 to assist with heating costs.

Eligibility for the payment in Winter 2024 to 2025 is determined by whether individuals were born before September 23, 1958, and reside in England or Wales while receiving one of the following benefits:.

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support.

However, it's estimated that around 880,000 pensioners could be eligible for Pension Credit but aren't claiming it, making it crucial for people to check their own eligibility and that of their loved ones.

Cold Weather Payment - £25

Households might also be entitled to the Cold Weather Payment, which offers £25 for each seven-day period when the temperature falls below zero. These payments are activated by cold weather conditions and are automatically sent to those who qualify for Pension Credit or other eligible benefits, such as Universal Credit.

Energy grants - up to £2,000

Energy companies are offering thousands of pounds in aid to help those struggling with energy bills.

British Gas has been providing energy debt write-off grants of up to £2,000. Several other companies, including Octopus Energy and EDF, also provide household support funds to assist customers with their bills.

Individuals can check what support is available from their provider through the respective websites.

Christmas Bonus - £10

Every year, the DWP distributes a one-off tax-free £10 payment just before Christmas - although this amount hasn't changed since 1972.

Those receiving certain benefits are in line for a Christmas Bonus, which is typically paid out during the first full week of December. It's an auto payout there's no need to claim it as it gets wired directly into the bank accounts of those eligible.

For Britons to pocket this festive extra, they must be either present or "ordinarily resident" in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the crucial qualifying week. People must also get at least one of the following benefits in the qualifying week (usually first full week of December):

• Adult Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
• Disability Living Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
• Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
• Mobility Supplement
• Pension Credit - the guarantee element
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
• War Widow’s Pension
• Widowed Mother’s Allowance
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Widow’s Pension.

The Household Support Fund could bolster households by up to £740

An urgent call has been made for thousands across Britain to see if they're entitled to claim cash or vouchers from their local council this winter.

The Household Support Fund is honed in on helping the most vulnerable families manage the costs of fundamental needs such as food, personal care products, and utility bills.

With an additional £421million now injected into the fund by the Government, the scheme will have a run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, providing support through England's network of local authorities who distribute these vital funds to the residents biggest in need. The sum each council receives for its Household Support Fund is carefully calculated according to population size and the local level of requirement.

To illustrate how local authorities have utilised the fund in the past, Birmingham City Council has provided grants of up to £200 to assist households with food and energy expenses. In Plymouth, eligible residents could previously receive vouchers worth up to £740.

Individuals can discover the amount awarded to their area on GOV. UK and are encouraged to visit their council's website or contact their office to learn about the local support available through the fund.