With snow forecast to land in some areas this weekend, households that fall into the vulnerable and low-income bracket may soon receive a welcomed cash boost.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme offers eligible households financial support when the weather drops below a certain level for an extended period of time.
The scheme, which is offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), runs until March 31, and people are awarded £25 per seven days the average temperature in a person’s area falls to zero degrees or below.
New weather maps show temperatures may plunge as soon as November 25. Forecasters expect snow to hit the northern half of the country “worst”, with the likeliness of the spell stretching across the Midlands and Central and Southern England “increasing”.
The scheme sees subsidies paid out automatically to those eligible, based on a person’s benefits and the temperature in their area. With significantly high energy bills still adding pressure to Britons’ pockets, the payment provides vital support to struggling households in heating their homes.
Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment scheme?
To be eligible to receive a Cold Weather Payment, a person may be receiving the following benefits:
There are certain requirements with each benefit that entitle a person to receive payment, such as also having a disability or pensioner premium, or if they’re living with a child under five. To find out the full list of requirements with each benefit, people can visit the webpage.
Households can check if a payment is due in their area using the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment postcode checker.
While people living in Scotland are not eligible for Cold Weather Payments, they may be able to get an annual Winter Heating Payment instead.
This is worth £55.05 and will be automatically paid once a year in the middle of December through Social Security Scotland, to anyone who would qualify for a Cold Weather Payment.
Social Security Scotland said it expects to pay the majority of eligible people by the end of January 2024. Eligible recipients will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before they make the payment.
How to claim the Cold Weather Payment
People who qualify for a Cold Weather Payment will not need to do anything. They will be paid automatically after each seven-day period of freezing weather.
This money should land in the person’s registered bank account with the DWP, and payments are made within 14 days.
If a person believes they should have received a Cold Weather Payment but hasn’t, the DWP recommends getting in touch with the Pension Centre or the Jobcentre – whichever is applicable.
Or, if a person receives Universal Credit, they should add a note to their journal online. The Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344 can also be used.
