Millions of people in receipt of Universal Credit and other state benefits could be eligible for a £25 rebate on their energy bills this winter.
Cold Weather Payments are offered to those who may struggle to pay their heating bills when the temperatures fall.
And with large parts of the UK covered in snow this weekend, it could mean you're due some money back.
The arrival of Storm Bella on Boxing Day will bring further downpours and winds of up to 70mph in exposed coastal locations - prompting a flurry of refunds.
The Cold Weather Payment Scheme is run by the Department of Work and Pensions and is available from November 1 until March 31 every year.
It offers people on certain benefits £25 for each period of unseasonably cold weather.
Cold weather payments are paid if the average temperature in an area is recorded as - or forecast to be - zero degrees or less for seven consecutive days or more.
If you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest then you may be eligible.
Cold Weather Payments do not affect your other benefits.
The Cold Weather Payment does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving and is paid automatically into the same bank or building society account as the one used to pay benefits.
Those eligible will usually receive payments within 14 working days.
Who is eligible for cold weather payment?
Anyone in receipt of the following benefits can claim a Cold Weather Payment:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
In addition, those who fall 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
- Inn receipt of a limited capability for work amount
- Have a severe or enhanced disability premium
How can I check to see if I am due a cold weather payment?
To check if you are eligible for a cold weather payment, visit the Gov.uk website, here.
What is a winter fuel payment?
People aged 65 and over could also be eligible for winter fuel payments.
Combined with cold weather payments, this gives those most in need the assurance that they can turn up their heating without the fear of an unaffordable bill.
See our guides on Warm Home Discounts and Winter Fuel Payments, here.
