Help could be available if you are struggling with heating bills this winter.
Cold Weather Payments can offer a lifeline to people in receipt of Universal Credit and other state benefits.
And millions of people can get the help, the Mirror Online reports.
The Department of Work and Pensions runs the Cold Weather Payment Scheme to offer people on certain benefits £25 for each period of unseasonably cold weather.
The good news that it is available from November 1 until 31 March every year.
The payments are paid out if the average temperature in an area is recorded as - or forecast to be - zero degrees or even lower for seven consecutive days or more.
But who benefits?
Those on Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest is eligible.
In addition, those in at least one of the following criteria can apply for the support:
- In receipt of a disability or pension premium
- Have a child under 5 living with them
- In receipt of Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Have a child who is disabled
- In receipt of a limited capability for work amount
- Have a severe or enhanced disability premium
But don't worry - the payments do not affect your other benefits, and it is paid automatically into the same bank or building society account as the one used to pay benefits.
Those who are eligible will normally receive payments within 14 working days.
To check if you are eligible for a payment, visit the gov.uk website, here.
Furthermore, those who are 65 and over could also be eligible for winter fuel payments.
If you were born on or before October 5, 1954, you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
For more, visit the gov.uk website here.
