BRITS could receive their first cold weather payments next month.
Those eligible get £25 for each seven-day period of incredibly cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
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The temperature must hit zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days for the sum to be paid out.
It is to help those struggling heat their home and stay warm this winter.
You do not need to apply to the scheme, as cash is automatically sent within 14 working days to anyone eligible.
You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by typing your postcode into the government’s tool on its website.
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Who is eligible for a cold weather payment?
You are eligible for the cold weather payment scheme if you receive of one of the following benefits and meet the criteria:
You may also need to meet one or more of these additional criteria:
- Have a disability or be in receipt of pension premium
- Have a child who is disabled
- Be in receipt of child tax credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Have a severe or enhanced disability premium
- Be in receipt of a limited capability for work amount
- Have a child under five living with you
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Universal Credit claimants are eligible if they have a disabled child amount in their claim.
How do I apply for the cold weather payment?
You don’t. It is paid automatically to those who are eligible.
If you don’t receive a payment but believe you’re eligible, contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office.
Alterively, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
If you’re getting Universal Credit, you can also sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.
