Exact codes to spot for five payments worth up to £1,935 hitting bank accounts before Christmas – are you getting one?

THE soaring cost of living means it’s more important than ever to get all the money you’re entitled to.

There is a lot of extra cash help for families struggling with costs such as energy bills that can be claimed before Christmas.

You could be getting payments worth hundreds of pounds before Christmas

In some cases the money is automatically paid if you qualify.

But with others, you may need to actively claim the additional support that could act as a lifeline for hard-up households.

You don’t always need to already be on benefits to receive extra help either.

So check if you can boost your bottom line with these five payments.

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Cost of Living payments – £300

The government is making the next round of payments to help with the rising cost of living.

The £300 cost of living payment will hit bank accounts between October 31 and November 19.

You will see the code “DWP COL” show up on your statement, along with your National Insurance number.

In total people will receive up to £1,350 in instalments with another £299 payment due to come in spring 2024.

Household Support Fund – up to £1,000

Families could get cash or vouchers to help with the cost of living crisis worth hundreds of pounds through the Household Support Fund.

The cash is handed out through local councils and could be used for food, energy or water bills.

The criteria to receive the help varies by council, as does the amount you may be able to get.

You’ll usually need to be a low income household – but crucially the help isn’t always automatic so you should check in with your council to see if you qualify.

Residents living in Torridge, for example, can get up to £1,000 in cash support, which is a real boost as we head into the colder months and expensive festive period.

Often the money will be paid directly into bank accounts and will be paid within days of an application.

The code you see on your statement will depend on the different council making the payment.

Winter Fuel Payment – £600

Thousands of pensioners will receive a payment worth up to £600 to help with the cost of heating their home over winter.

All payments will go straight into bank accounts and should be made by middle of January.

You should be able to spot it as a code on your bank statement that includes your national insurance number followed by the code DWP WFP – or if you live in Northern Ireland it will be DFC WFP.

You’ll qualify for the winter fuel payment is you were born before 25 September 1957.

If you’re eligible, you should receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount.

The payment will then go straight into your bank account in November or December.

If you don’t receive a letter, but think you are eligible, you can make a claim on the gov website.

The exact amount you will receive depends on your circumstances, including who you live with and if you received benefits.

To get the full £600 you will usually need to be born between 25 September 1943.

Christmas bonus – £10

The Christmas Bonus is a £10 cash boost paid at the beginning of December and straight into bank accounts.

If you qualify you won’t need to do anything to claim the extra cash.

It’s likely to show up on your bank statement with the code DWP XB.

To get the bonus you will need to be receiving at least one of the following benefits at the beginning of December:

Adult Disability Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Child Disability Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
Disability Living Allowance
Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
Mobility Supplement
Pension Credit – the guarantee element
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
War Widow’s Pension
Widowed Mother’s Allowance
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Widow’s Pension

Cold Weather Payments – £25

As temperatures drop, thousands of households can get a payment to help with costs worth £25.

The payments happen between November 1 and March 31.

You’ll get £25 for each seven day of very cold weather during this period.

The payment will be made automatically if you qualify within 14 days.

You should be able to spot the payment on your bank statement as it will have your National Insurance number followed by the code DWP CWP for people in England and Wales.