Over the weekend, it snowed in many parts of the UK.
Temperatures hit freezing, and people found themselves having to whack on the heating for longer than they'd have liked.
For those on benefits, there is help to stay warm - especially welcome this year, with increasing energy prices.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides Cold Weather Payments to those in receipt of benefits if certain tests are met.
Here is what you need to know about Cold Weather Payments, according to Cornwall Live.
How much is a Cold Weather Payment
You’ll get a payment of £25 if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
A new payment will be supplied for each seven-day period that meets that test between November 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
The payments are usually made within 14 working days of the eligible time period and will be paid into the account your benefit payments go into.
Who gets a Cold Weather Payment
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
How to claim a Cold Weather Payment
This is the easy bit - you do not need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment. If you are eligible the money will be automatically be paid to you.
If you think you should have received one and haven't, you can inform the DWP.
Cold Weather Payment postcode checker
The Government has a postcode checker where you can see if you are eligible. To view it, click here.
