DWP to give first 'free' £300 payments to people from next month

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving out payments to those who are eligible from next month

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to distribute the "first" Winter Fuel Payments, worth around £300, from next month. The initial recipients of these payments will start seeing this money in their bank accounts from next month.

Most individuals will automatically receive their payments between November and December. According to the Labour Party Government's website, recipients will receive a letter detailing the amount they will receive and the bank account into which the money will be deposited.

Those who do not receive either the cash or a letter by January 29, next year, are encouraged to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, run by the DWP. Andy Manning, head of energy policy at Citizens Advice, commented: "This price rise means bills are now around two-thirds higher than before the energy crisis."

He added, "With record levels of energy debt, the removal of previous support and changes to the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment, people are in desperate need. The Government must urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people's energy needs."

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, remarked: "We're now heading into the fourth winter of sky high energy prices. After October 1, bills will be 65% higher than in 2020/21, meaning the average household will have paid more than £2,500 extra for their energy than had we not been so exposed to volatile energy markets.", reports Birmingham Live.

"For older people who previously received the Winter Fuel Payment, but will no longer do so under the Chancellor's new rules, the situation is even worse. For many pensioners, this winter will feel like the most expensive on record. What's worse, there are more price increases on the horizon."

"We welcome the Government's long-term plans to boost home energy efficiency to bring down bills and to improve energy security to stabilise prices, but these reforms will take time to take effect and will be cold comfort to those struggling this winter."

"That's why it is so vital the ministers bring in more support for vulnerable households this winter, reductions in standing charges and a social tariff. The energy industry has made more than £457 billion in profit since the start of the crisis – so there is plenty of money in the system to be able to ensure everyone stays warm this winter and next."