THOUSANDS of households across the UK could be in line for free extra money during chilly weather.
The cold weather payment is worth a minimum £25 and sometimes more.
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We explain what the payment is, who is eligible and how to apply.
What is the cold weather payment?
The cold weather payment is issued to households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on low incomes and benefits to cover the cost of extra heating over the colder winter months.
Payments are dished out between November 1 and March 31.
You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by popping your postcode into the government’s tool on its website.
Cold weather payments are no longer being made in Scotland as the scheme has been replaced.
Instead, you might get an annual £50 Winter Heating Payment. You can find out more about the scheme on the Scottish Government’s website.
How much do I get from the cold weather payment and how is it paid?
Eligible households are paid £25 for every seven-day period where temperatures are, or forecast to be, below zero degrees Celsius on average.
The payments should arrive within 14 working days.
The cash is paid into the same bank or building society account as the one used to pay benefits, and doesn’t affect any other allowances you may claim.
Because you receive £25 for each seven-day period of cold weather, it means you can get more than one payment.
Some areas have been known to receive £75 in total between November and March.
Who is eligible for a cold weather payment?
You’re eligible for a cold weather payment if you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits and meet certain criteria:
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also need to meet one or more of the following additional criteria:
- Have a disability or be in receipt of pension premium
- Have a child who is disabled
- Be in receipt of child tax credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Have a severe or enhanced disability premium
- Be in receipt of a limited capability for work amount
- Have a child under five living with you
Regardless of employment, Universal Credit claimants are eligible if they have a disabled child amount in their claim.
You can find out more about eligibility on the government’s website.
How do I apply for the cold weather payment?
You don’t need to apply for the cold weather payment as it’s paid automatically to those who are eligible.
If you don’t receive a payment and believe you’re eligible then you can tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office, or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
If you’re getting Universal Credit, you can also sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.
If you go into hospital, this could affect your claim so make sure you tell someone using the contact details above.
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