Freeze Triggers Cold Weather Payments

Plunging temperatures mean many benefit recipients across the UK are in line for assistance with their energy bills.

Cold Weather Payments are automatically issued to households on benefits in areas where the temperature falls below 0°C—or is forecast by the Met Office to do so—for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March.

The recent cold snap means residents of dozens of postcodes across the UK will qualify for the £25 payments. 

You’re eligible for the payments if you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.

Baroness Stedman-Scott, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DWP, said: “Winter can be a difficult time for people, and our Cold Weather Payment will help you keep your home warm as temperatures drop.

Payments are made automatically but if you think you might be eligible, you can check online to see if your area is due a payment and plan accordingly.”

If you qualify, you’ll be paid automatically within 14 working days. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received a payment, you’re advised to contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office.

Cold Weather Payments are issued to help vulnerable people and pensioners afford to heat their homes during unusually cold periods. 

They come in addition to Winter Fuel Payments, tax-free annual payments of between £100 and £200 issued to Britons 66 and older, and to the Warm Home Discount scheme, a £140 rebate on electricity bills available to some pensioners and others on certain benefits.