UK households in certain areas can receive special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)-funded support of up to £140 in December, mainly through local council schemes such as the Household Support Fund and other winter help initiatives for low‑income families. These payments are designed to ease pressure from rising energy, food and essential costs during the colder months.
What the £140 December support is
Across parts of the UK, local councils are distributing DWP funding to households struggling with day‑to‑day essentials, with some schemes offering up to £140 in December for families with children. In Middlesbrough, for example, households on qualifying benefits can receive £70 per child, meaning a family with two children could get £140 this month.
This support is funded via the Household Support Fund, a pot of money allocated by the DWP to local authorities in England and Wales so they can design their own local help schemes. Councils may choose to pay this help as supermarket vouchers, fuel vouchers, direct bank payments or support with specific bills.
Who can qualify for the £140 help
Eligibility is not identical across the UK, because each council sets its own rules based on local needs and the size of its DWP allocation. Some schemes focus on families with children, while others prioritise pensioners, disabled residents or those with very low incomes and limited savings.
In Middlesbrough’s December scheme, families on benefits with children can claim £70 per child, while some households not receiving benefits can get £100 if they meet strict income and savings rules. Typical conditions include living in the local authority area, having savings below a set limit such as £6,000, and income under a threshold that varies depending on family size.
How much households can receive
The exact amount depends on your family circumstances and local policy, but December awards in some areas range from £70 to £140 and, in some cases, even higher. Households with no children may receive a flat amount, while parents can receive a fixed sum per child, up to a maximum set by the council.
These payments sit alongside national DWP winter help such as the Winter Fuel Payment for older people, Cold Weather Payments in very low temperatures, and the Warm Home Discount energy bill reduction, which is now typically worth £150 for eligible households. When combined with local grants, total winter support for some vulnerable households can exceed £1,000 over the season.
Example winter support amounts
| Type of support | Typical amount (2025/26) | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Local Household Support Fund | £70–£140+ in December | Discretionary; amount and rules vary by council. |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 one‑off | Applied directly to electricity bills for eligible customers. |
| Winter Fuel Payment (pensioners) | £100–£300+ depending on age and circumstances | Paid automatically to most older people meeting the age rules. |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per qualifying week of very cold weather | Triggered when temperatures are at or below zero for 7 days in a row. |
| Local hardship/food vouchers | Varies, often £50–£200+ | Provided by councils or partners to cover food and essentials. |
How to apply for the £140 payment
Unlike national benefits that are handled directly by the DWP, these December support payments are administered by local councils, so the first step is to check your council’s website. Many authorities run online application forms where you confirm your address, income, benefit status and number of children, and may need to upload evidence such as bank statements or benefit letters.
Some councils do not require an application and instead identify eligible households automatically, for example by using existing benefits data or free school meals lists. Because funding is limited and often given on a first‑come, first‑served basis, it is important to apply as early as possible within the advertised window.
Other key DWP winter payments
Alongside these £140‑style local grants, several nationwide DWP schemes provide winter support to millions of people on benefits and pensions. The Winter Fuel Payment is available to most people born before 22 September 1959 who live in the UK, and is usually paid automatically between November and March.
Cold Weather Payments are made when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, and they are paid to people on certain income‑related benefits. The Warm Home Discount, worth £150, is applied directly to electricity bills for eligible low‑income or pensioner households and normally appears as a credit on the bill by the end of March.
Practical tips for households
Households concerned about making ends meet this winter should start by checking their eligibility for national benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or disability benefits, because these often act as gateways to extra winter support. It is also sensible to contact your energy supplier to ask about the Warm Home Discount and any hardship funds or repayment plans that can help spread costs.
Local councils often work with charities, schools and food banks to distribute Household Support Fund grants, so speaking to local advice agencies or checking council social media can highlight new schemes quickly. Keeping records of bills, income and benefit letters will make any application smoother and help prove your financial situation if requested.
FAQs
Q1. Is every UK household entitled to £140 from the DWP in December?
No. The £140‑type payments come from local council schemes funded by the DWP, and eligibility depends on where you live, your income, and your household circumstances.
Q2. Do these December payments affect my other benefits?
In most cases, local Household Support Fund grants are separate from regular benefits and do not reduce your entitlement to payments such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, but rules can vary by scheme, so always check local guidance.
Q3. Where can I find official information about winter support?
For national schemes like Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and Warm Home Discount, use the official GOV.UK pages, and for the £140‑style December support, check your local council’s website or contact its welfare or benefits team.
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; the aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
