Cold Weather Payments: What You Need to Know
As winter sets in, the UK government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme offers vital financial assistance to those who may struggle with heating costs during periods of severe cold.
Here’s what you need to know about this scheme, who qualifies, and how to check your eligibility.
What Are Cold Weather Payments?
Cold Weather Payments are designed to help with fuel costs during periods of cold weather. Each payment is £25 and is triggered when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecasted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
The scheme runs annually between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025 and applies to eligible individuals living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Payments are separate from other support schemes, like the Winter Fuel Payment, and do not impact your other benefits.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit (with some exceptions)
- Support for Mortgage Interest
How Are Payments Made?
You don’t need to apply. Payments are automatically deposited into the same bank account as your benefits, usually within two weeks of the qualifying cold weather period.
If you think you should have received a payment but didn’t, contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Check Your Area
Eligibility depends on your local temperature, monitored by nearby weather stations. You can check if your postcode has triggered a payment via the government’s online tool.
Stay warm this winter and remember to explore all available options for support. For more tips on managing winter energy costs, get in contact today.