HARD-UP households across the UK could be in line for a cash boost during chilly weather.
Cold weather payments help support low-income households during prolonged periods of freezing temperatures.
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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 dished out when temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below, on average, for seven consecutive days.
When temperatures drop between November 1 and March 31, eligible Brits are entitled to extra money to heat their homes when this happens.
You get £25 for each seven-day period where the weather is below zero Celsius on average during this time frame.
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 paid in Scotland as the scheme has been replaced.
Instead, you might get an annual £58.75 Winter Heating Payment. You can find out more about the scheme on the Scottish Government’s website.
You do not need to apply to the scheme.
If you don’t receive a payment but believe you’re eligible, contact your local Pension Centre or Jobcentre Plus office.
Alternatively, 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.
When temperatures plummet, you can check if your area is due a cold weather payment by typing your postcode into the government’s tool on its 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.
Payments usually appear in bank statements as your National Insurance number followed by “DWP CWP” for people in England and Wales.
If you live in Northern Ireland it will appear as “SSA CWP”.
Your National Insurance number is made up of two letters, then six numbers, then a letter.
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:
- Pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support 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 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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