What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
ReutersCold weather payments have been triggered for the commence of 2025.
Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the money when there is a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.
In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a divide winter heating settlement, which does not depend on how low the temperature falls.
What are cold weather payments?
The cold weather settlement is a government advantage top-up to assist with fuel bills.
The average temperature in a local area must be zero degrees Celsius or less for seven days in a row, or be projection to be below freezing for seven consecutive days.
As of 3 January, payments have been triggered in dozens of postcode areas in Cumbria, Northumberland and parts of England in the Scottish Borders.
The temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.
- England and Wales: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility
- Northern Ireland: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility
- Check the UK weather warnings in place
Who can get cold weather payments?
To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving sure benefits, including:
- superannuation borrowing
- profits back
- profits-based Job Seekers’ Allowance
- profits-related Employment and back Allowance
- Universal borrowing – although there are sure exceptions
- back for Mortgage yield
Each cold weather settlement is for a seven-day period and is worth £25.
More than one settlement will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather.
The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Getty ImagesHospital stays can affect payments.
You should also inform Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a kid under five comes to live with you.
In Scotland, the winter heating settlement is worth £58.75, and will be paid to those who are eligible from December 2024.
How do I get cold weather payments and how long does it receive?
You do not have to do anything in order to get cold weather payments.
The money should be paid automatically into the same lender or building population account as your benefits, within two weeks of the qualifying period of cold weather.
If you do not receive a settlement, you can contact the superannuation Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
They are divide to the winter fuel settlement, which is worth £200 or £300 depending on your person circumstances.
The rules on this have changed, and 2024 payments will only leave to those on low incomes who receive sure benefits, including superannuation borrowing.
