With snow predicted to fall in some areas this weekend, families who fall into the vulnerable and low-income bracket may soon receive a cash boost.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme provides financial support to eligible households when the weather drops below a certain level for an extended period of time.
The scheme, which is being offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), runs until March 31, and people are awarded £25 for every seven days the average temperature in a person’s area falls to zero degrees or below.
New weather maps show temperatures could drop as early as November 25. Forecasters expect the snow to hit the northern half of the country “the worst”, with the likelihood of the spell extending across the Midlands and Central and Southern England “increasing”.
Under the scheme, subsidies are automatically paid to those who are eligible, based on a person’s benefits and the temperature in their area. With significantly high energy bills still weighing on Britons’ pockets, the payment provides vital support to families struggling to heat their homes.
Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment scheme?
To be eligible for Cold Weather Payment, a person may be receiving the following benefits:
Each benefit that entitles a person to receive a payment has certain requirements, such as having a disability or pensioner’s premium, or living with a child under the age of five. To find out the complete list of requirements for each benefit, people can visit the web page.
Families can check if a payment is due in their area using the DWP Cold Weather Payment postcode checker.
Although people living in Scotland are not eligible for Cold Weather Payments, they may be able to receive an annual payment Winter Heating Payment instead.
This is worth £55.05 and will be paid automatically once a year in mid-December through Social Security Scotland, to anyone who would be entitled to a Cold Weather Payment.
Social Security Scotland said it expects to pay most eligible people by the end of January 2024. Eligible recipients will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before making the payment.
How to claim the Cold Weather Payment
People who qualify for the Cold Weather Payment will not have 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 someone believes they should have received a Cold Weather Payment but did not, the DWP recommends contacting the Pensions Center or the Job Center – whichever is applicable.
Or, if someone gets Universal Credit, they should add a note to their online diary. The Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344 can also be used.
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