# Cost of living payments timeline 2026/27 > Budgeting & saving money · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/budgeting/cost-of-living-payments-timeline-2026/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/budgeting/cost-of-living-payments-timeline-2026.md ## Quick answer UK cost-of-living support in 2026/27 comes through benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit), the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment for eligible pensioners, the Household Support Fund via councils, and supplier hardship schemes — not a single national lump-sum payment. Check gov.uk and your council for current dates. After the one-off cost-of-living payments of 2022–24, support is now mostly built into benefits and local schemes. This timeline explains what arrives when, who administers each payment, and how to claim what you may be missing. ## Key facts - Universal Credit and most benefits uprate each April — check gov.uk for the current tax year's rates - Warm Home Discount: £150 electricity credit, mostly automatic for eligible pensioners each winter - Winter Fuel Payment: for State Pension age households on Pension Credit or certain benefits - Household Support Fund: council-run help with essentials — deadlines and amounts vary by area - No standing national cost-of-living lump sum in 2026 — support is through ongoing benefits and local funds ## April — benefit uprating Most DWP benefits and tax credits increase from the first Monday on or after 6 April each year. Universal Credit standard allowance, Pension Credit, Child Benefit and State Pension all move to the new rates published in the annual benefit rates document. If you are on Universal Credit, your April payment reflects the new rates automatically — but report any change in circumstances promptly so your award stays correct. ## October to March — Warm Home Discount The Warm Home Discount gives eligible households a £150 reduction on electricity bills between October and March. Most pensioners who receive Guarantee Credit Pension Credit are identified automatically. Broader low-income groups may need to apply through their electricity supplier if it offers the scheme to non-core groups. Suppliers set application windows — apply early as funds are limited. ## November to January — Winter Fuel Payment Winter Fuel Payment helps pension-age households with heating costs. Eligibility rules changed in 2024 — you generally need to receive Pension Credit or another qualifying means-tested benefit during the qualifying week. Payments are usually made automatically in November or December to the account where your State Pension or benefit is paid. Amounts depend on age and household circumstances. ## Year-round — Household Support Fund and council help The Household Support Fund is distributed by local councils for food, energy and essential bills. Each council sets its own criteria, application route and payment method — some use vouchers, others direct bank payments. Council Tax Support (Council Tax Reduction) reduces council tax year-round for low-income households. Apply through your council — it is not automatic unless you are already in the system. Energy and water suppliers must offer payment plans and hardship support. Contact your supplier before arrears build. ## Frequently asked questions ### Will there be another £650-style cost-of-living payment? The government has not announced further national lump-sum payments like 2022–24. Support is channelled through benefits, Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount and the Household Support Fund instead. ### Can I get more than one scheme? Yes. You might receive UC uprating, Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and council HSF help if you meet each scheme's rules. They are separate programmes. ### Where do I start if money is tight? Run a benefits calculator, check council tax support and HSF with your council, then contact energy and water suppliers. Free debt advice from StepChange or National Debtline if bills are unmanageable. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living ## Related - [Cost of living help](https://moneyguide.org.uk/budgeting/cost-of-living-help/) - [What help can I get?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-help-can-i-get-with-the-cost-of-living/) - [Benefits estimator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/benefits-estimator/) - [Warm Home Discount news](https://moneyguide.org.uk/news/winter-fuel-payment-2026-eligibility/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.