Winter is always a challenging time for many households across the UK. With heating bills rising, food prices staying high, and the cost of everyday essentials stretching family budgets, millions worry about how they will manage.
In response, the Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have confirmed a package of extra support. This includes three winter payments worth £620 in total, which will be made alongside existing DWP benefits and cost of living help.
This guide breaks down who qualifies, how the payments will work, and when families can expect them. If you rely on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other income-related benefits, this update is especially important.
What Is the £620 Winter Payment?
The new £620 winter payment is part of a targeted support plan aimed at easing financial pressure for vulnerable households. Instead of being a one-off payment, the money will be split into three instalments during the colder months.
This approach is designed to help families spread costs across winter, when heating bills and energy usage are at their highest.
How Will the Payments Be Split?
The total £620 will be divided into three separate payments:
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First instalment: £200 (autumn start, late October/early November)
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Second instalment: £210 (mid-December, before Christmas)
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Third instalment: £210 (late January/early February)
This staggered structure ensures families do not run out of money too quickly at the start of winter.
Who Qualifies for the £620 Support?
Eligibility is linked to DWP means-tested benefits. Families receiving the following will usually qualify:
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Universal Credit
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Pension Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income Support
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Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (HMRC payments may apply separately)
If you are already receiving one of these benefits, you may be automatically eligible.
Do Pensioners Qualify Too?
Yes. Pensioners who receive Pension Credit or the Winter Fuel Payment may also be included in this scheme. For older households, this support comes on top of the Winter Fuel Allowance of up to £300 and other energy bill help.
This means many pensioner households could see their winter payments stacked together for extra relief.
How Does This Payment Fit With Existing DWP Cost of Living Support?
The £620 winter payment is separate from other DWP cost of living payments announced earlier in the year.
For 2025, the Government has already confirmed support such as:
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£500 cost of living payment for eligible households
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£150 disability cost of living payment
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Cold Weather Payments of £25 for every 7-day period of extreme cold
This means that families could receive multiple payments across winter, depending on their circumstances.
Why Three Smaller Payments Instead of One Big One?
Some households have expressed concern about smaller instalments, but the DWP has explained that spreading payments helps with budgeting.
Research has shown that families who receive smaller, regular amounts of support are better able to manage essential bills compared to those who get one lump sum, which might be used up too quickly.
When Will the Payments Arrive?
The Government has outlined a clear timeline:
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First £200 – late October or early November
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Second £210 – before Christmas (mid-December)
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Third £210 – late January or early February
Exact payment dates will vary depending on whether you receive benefits from the DWP or HMRC (for tax credits).
How Will Payments Be Made?
Just like other cost of living support, payments will be sent directly into bank accounts. They will appear with a reference code showing they are from DWP or HMRC.
No application is required for most households – if you qualify, the money should arrive automatically.
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
If you believe you are eligible but have not received your instalment, you should:
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Check your bank account for the payment reference.
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Wait at least 7 working days after the official payment date.
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Contact the DWP or HMRC (depending on your benefits) to raise the issue.
Will This Affect Other Benefits?
No. The £620 winter payment is non-taxable and does not count as income when calculating eligibility for other benefits. This means you will not lose access to existing support.
Why Is Extra Support Needed in 2025?
Several factors have led to this additional support being introduced:
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Rising energy prices: Despite falling wholesale costs, household bills remain high.
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Food inflation: Prices of basics such as bread, milk, and vegetables continue to stretch family budgets.
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Economic uncertainty: Low-income households face greater pressure during winter due to reduced job opportunities and higher expenses.
By offering staggered winter payments, the Government hopes to prevent hardship and fuel poverty.
How Much Could a Family Really Receive in Total?
If you add up all the support available, many households could receive a substantial boost this winter:
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£620 winter payment (three instalments)
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£500 cost of living payment
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£150 disability payment (if eligible)
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Winter Fuel Payment up to £300 (for pensioners)
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Cold Weather Payments of £25 per week during freezing spells
In some cases, families could see more than £1,500 in combined support.
Common Questions Families Are Asking
Do I need to apply for the £620 payment?
No, it should arrive automatically if you already receive qualifying benefits.
Will this payment continue every year?
At the moment, this is only confirmed for winter 2025, but further reviews may decide on future years.
Can people in work get this payment?
Yes – if you are in low-paid work and claim Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit, you may still qualify.
What Should Families Do Now?
To make sure you don’t miss out, you should:
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Check your benefit status – ensure your claim is up to date.
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Apply for Pension Credit if you are eligible, as this opens the door to other support.
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Keep your bank details updated with DWP or HMRC.
Final Thoughts
The new £620 winter payment in three instalments will provide much-needed relief for millions of UK households. For families already struggling with high bills, it is a vital lifeline.
While it does not solve the ongoing cost of living crisis, it offers timely financial breathing space during the coldest months.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, check with the DWP or HMRC now to ensure you do not miss out.