What is the cold weather benefit and who is eligible for it?
THOUSANDS of UK households could be queuing for free extra cash during cold weather.
The cold weather payment is worth at least £25 and sometimes more.
We explain what the benefit is, who is eligible for it and how you can apply for it.
What is the cold weather payment?
The Cold Weather Allowance is provided to low-income households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who receive benefits to cover the cost of extra heating during the colder winter months.
Payments are made between November 1 and March 31.
You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by entering your zip code into the government tool on its website.
Cold weather payments will no longer be made in Scotland as the scheme has been replaced.
Instead, you may get an annual winter heating payment of £50. More information about the scheme can be found on the website Scottish Government website.
How much do I get from the cold weather benefit and how is it paid?
Eligible households will receive £25 for each seven-day period in which the average temperature is, or is expected to be, below zero degrees Celsius.
Payments must arrive within 14 working days.
The cash will be paid into the same bank or mortgage account used to pay the benefits and will not affect any other benefits you may be entitled to.
Because you receive £25 for each seven-day period of cold weather, this means you can receive more than one payment.
Some areas are known to receive a total of £75 between November and March.
Who is eligible for cold weather benefits?
You are eligible for cold weather benefits if you receive one of the following benefits and meet certain criteria:
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also need to meet one or more of the following additional criteria:
- If you are disabled or receive a pension premium
- Have a child who is disabled
- Receive a child tax credit that includes a disability or serious disability element
- Have a premium for serious or increased disability
- Receive a limited work capacity
- Make sure that a child under the age of five lives with you
Regardless of employment, Universal Credit claimants are eligible if they have a disability child benefit amount in their claim.
More information about eligibility can be found on the website government website.
How do I apply for cold weather benefits?
You do not need to apply for the cold weather payment as it will be paid out automatically to those who qualify.
If you don't receive a payment and think you are eligible, you can tell your employer retirement center or Jobcentre Plus officeor call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
If you receive Universal Credit, you can also log into your account and add a note to your diary.
If you go to hospital this may affect your claim. So make sure you tell someone using the contact details above.
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