Many parts of the UK could be at risk of snow and ice in the coming days as temperatures plummet - so many may need to check if they will receive a Cold Weather Payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will hand out some extra cash to eligible people throughout the winter period if temperatures consecutively dip below a certain level. The payment accumulates when the average temperature in your area is recorded, or forecasted, to dip below zero degrees celsius for over seven consecutive days.
If these criteria are met, then you may receive £25 for each seven-day period of abnormally cold weather. According to the Met Office, the mercury could go as low as -4C, however, it is not yet clear how long the cold spell will last for.
Read more: Greater Manchester weather forecast as temperatures set to plunge amid Met Office UK snow warning
Over the coming weeks, it may be a good idea to keep record of the temperature in your area to see if you could receive a Cold Weather Payment. In order to do so though you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible for Cold Weather Payment?
You may be considered for eligibility if you're receiving one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
You will generally automatically receive Cold Weather Payments if you are claiming Pension Credit.
Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
You may receive Cold Weather Payments if you receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and have any of the following:
- A disability or pensioner premium
- A child who is disabled
- Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- A child under the age of five living with you
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you receive income-related ESA and are in a work-related activity group or support group. However, if you're not in either of these, you may still be able to receive the payments if you have any of the following:
- A severe or enhanced disability premium
- A pensioner premium
- A child who is disabled
- Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- A child under the age of five living with you
Universal Credit
You may receive Cold Weather Payments while claiming Universal Credit and are not in employment. However, one of the following must also apply:
- You have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work
- You have a child under the age of five living with you
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
You may receive Cold Weather Payments while getting SMI and have any of the following:
How to claim a Cold Weather Payment
According to the government, there is no need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment. The scheme is currently being ran from November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 - in that time you can search via the DWP to see if you could receive the payment in your area.
If you are eligible, you should receive the payment automatically. However, if you have not received the payment yet and believe you should have, then you should tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
If you receive Universal Credit payments, then you can sign into your online account and add a note into your journal. Otherwise, you can ring the Universal Credit helpline (the phone number of which should be on letters about your Universal Credit claim).
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