The cold weather is set to last well into December as temperatures plummet to as low as -10C. This means that some households will be eligible for cold weather payments after they were activated in some areas of Wales.
The scheme, which runs from November 1 to March 31, means those receiving pension credit, income support, and universal credit will see a payment of £25 automatically given out. Using the UK Government postcode checker you can see if a payment is due in your area. Check here to find the postcodes in Wales that have had the payment activated. And make sure you subscribe to our money-saving newsletter here so you don't miss out on the key money news affecting you and your finances.
But just what are the payments and who can receive one? Here's a quick rundown.
What is the payment?
They are payments that are made during cold weather to vulnerable people, including pensioners, in England and Wales to help them pay for heating when the temperature dips below freezing for a certain number of days.
How cold does it have to be?
It goes to those living in an area where the average temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
What areas have been triggered?
In Wales parts of Powys have seen the payment activated. In England there are parts of the north west, Greater Manchester, and areas around Exeter in the south west have seen the payment triggered. In Scotland people on benefits or low incomes may qualify for an annual £50 winter heating payment though this is made irrespective of cold temperatures.
Who can have the payment?
You may get cold weather payments if you're receiving the following:
- Pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal credit
- Support for mortgage interest
Those eligible do not need to apply as it will be paid automatically.
How much are the payments and when do you get paid?
People get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31. The bank top-up will be in eligible people's bank account within 14 days of the trigger. Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
What if I do not receive my payment?
People are advised to tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. Those getting universal credit should sign in to their account and add a note to the journal.
According to charity Turn2us the DWP's decision on a person's payment claim can be challenged. If the decision remains they can appeal to an independent tribunal.
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