A 'weather monster' has been predicted with the Met Office forecasting temperatures dipping to lows of -5C towards the end of the week. While it is now winter and we should expect colder temperatures that doesn't help when it comes to turning up the heating during a cost of living crisis. However, as the temperature drops, the Government's Cold Weather Payments kick in.
The payment might be coming your way if you receive certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, but in order for the payments to be triggered, the temperature has to drop below a certain figure. So with the mercury beginning to plummet, we asked how low does it have to go, who will get the payment and how much it would be. Here's everything you need to know.
How low does the temperature have to go?
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days. So, just one night of a minus figure won't trigger the payment.
How much do you get?
For each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, you’ll get £25 for each day. You can check if you can get a payment in your area by clicking here. Be aware that Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments.
After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment straight into your bank or building society within 14 working days. It’s paid in the same way you receive your benefit payments. Cold Weather Payments do not affect your other benefits.
Read more: DWP - 9 money changes in December including Christmas bonus and £300 cost of living cash
Who gets the Cold Weather Payment?
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits. These include:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
There are various criteria, details of which can be found on the Government website. However, to explain more, if you get:
Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get 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 five living with you
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get income-related ESA and are in a work-related activity group or support group. If you’re not in either group, you might also get Cold Weather 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 five living with you
Universal Credit
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Universal Credit and you’re not employed or self-employed. One of the following must also apply:
- you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without work-related activity)
- you have a child under five living with you
You’ll also be eligible if you have a disabled child amount in your claim, whether you’re employed or not.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) and 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 five living with you
What else should I know?
If you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance and have a baby or a child under five who lives with you, make sure you tell Jobcentre Plus. You will not automatically get Cold Weather Payments if you do not.
How do I claim?
You won't need to apply for this payment as it should be paid automatically when the temperature dips for the required period of time. However, if you haven't received a payment and you think you should, tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. If you’re getting Universal Credit, sign in to your account and add a note to your journal. If you do not have an online account, ring the Universal Credit helpline instead.
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