COLD weather is arriving now that we’re into winter, which means it might be time to whack on the heating.
With energy bills at an all time high, many people are hoping to cut back on spending this winter.
GettyThe cold weather payment is a £25 payout to benefits claimants when temperatures hit freezing.[/caption]
The cold weather payment is a £25 payout to benefits claimants when temperatures hit freezing.
If temperatures in their area fall below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31, they’ll be entitled to the cash.
You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by popping your postcode into the government’s tool from now on.
By March 31 2022, the payments were triggered by six weather stations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, covering around 36 postcodes.
Cold Weather Payments will no longer be 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 website.
Am I eligible for a cold weather payment?
You’re eligible for the cold weather payment scheme if you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits and meet certain criteria:
Pension creditIncome supportIncome-based jobseeker’s allowanceIncome-related employment and support allowanceUniversal CreditSupport for mortgage interest
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 premiumHave a child who is disabledBe in receipt of child tax credit that includes a disability or severe disability elementHave a severe or enhanced disability premiumBe in receipt of a limited capability for work amountHave 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.
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.
You can check online whether there is a payment for your area is due.
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.
More bill help
Low income households can get up to £150 towards their electricity bills with the government’s warm home discount scheme.
You can save money on your energy bill by turning off appliances – these are the seven worst to leave on standby.
Wearing a jumper could slash £400 a year from your energy bills.
There’s also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment metre.
Those on Universal Credit and older legacy benefits could get over £3,000 in bill support too.
And if you feel like you’re struggling, there are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out.
Some of these include the British Gas Energy Trust and the Bulb energy fund – you can read a full list here.
But don’t forget if you’re due benefits this month, they could arrive early due to the Christmas holidays – learn more here.
Meanwhile, millions on benefits will receive a £10 tax-free Christmas bonus in the first full week of December this year.
Eligible households receive the cash from today (December 5).