Plummeting temperatures across the UK have triggered the government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme, meaning thousands of households will receive extra cash to help with heating bills. The payment is issued when temperatures in an area are recorded, or forecasted, to be 0C or below for a period of seven consecutive days.
According to the government’s website, those who are eligible will get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather, between November 1 and March 31. The payment is made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) within 14 working days after each seven-day cold spell.
People qualify for the payment if they’re getting: pension credit, income support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, support for Mortgage Interest. Those who are claiming Pension Credit will generally automatically receive Cold Weather Payments.
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The Cold Weather Payment is paid to the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. The payment is different to Winter Fuel Payments and it does not affect your other benefits. You won’t need to apply for the payment as it will be paid automatically.
If you haven’t received a Cold Weather Payment, but think you should have, inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. Or if you’re getting Universal Credit, add a note to your online journal or call the helpline.
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