Recently, our team has supported tenants who have been asked by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide additional information about their benefit claim or household circumstances.

Our financial inclusion team (FIT) can provide advice and support, often helping to prevent issues that could affect benefit entitlement. If you are asked to complete a questionnaire, provide information about your claim or circumstances, update your Universal Credit (UC) claim, or supply further information, please contact us first so we can help you.

• financialinclusion@taitarian.co.uk

• 0300 777 0000

Warm home discount scheme
Eligible households receiving means-tested benefits may receive ¢G150 off their utility bills this autumn. If your energy supplier is part of the scheme, the discount should be applied automatically. The warm home discount is separate to winter fuel payments and cold weather payments and does not affect eligibility for either. Visit the warm home discount website or contact your energy supplier for more information. 

The annual budget process also begins this month. During this time, the Government decides how much benefits will increase in 2027, reviews the Benefit Cap, considers possible changes to Universal Credit work allowances and taper rates, and receives the findings of the national PIP assessment review.

Winter fuel payment
Payments of between £100 and £300 will begin for eligible pensioners born before 27th June 1960 to help with winter heating costs.

Cold weather payments
The 2026 scheme opens on 1st November. Payments are made automatically to eligible households on means-tested benefits if temperatures in their area fall to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Payments are usually made within 14 days.

In December look out for the DWP’s early payment calendar, which will confirm benefit payment dates over the Christmas and New Year bank holiday period.