Cold weather payments – who is eligible for the £25 boost and how do I apply?

AS THE UK braces itself for a freezing winter, thousands of Brits could get £25 off their energy bill.

Temperatures are quickly approaching below zero and Brits have been warned to turn their heating on when they can to keep warm.

Eligible households could get £25 as a cold weather paymentCredit: PA

Health officials issued a red weather warning too, meaning vulnerable people could be more at risk with the extreme temperatures.

As a result, the news could trigger the £25 cold weather payment, giving you extra cash to heat your home.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hands out the extra £25 to certain households struggling to pay their energy bills.

The scheme is designed to help people on low incomes with their energy bills when the temperature gets very low.

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You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.

Payments are made automatically – you don’t need to apply.

The red weather warning makes it more likely that a cold weather payment could be made.

Last year, some areas which experienced extended periods of freezing temperatures received multiple payouts, adding up to as much as £75.

For each seven-day period of low temperatures, the payment is worth £25 and if you get certain benefits you should get the cash automatically.

Who is eligible for cold weather payments?

Households are eligible for the extra cash if they are getting the following:

Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support for Mortgage Interest

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also need to meet one or more of the following 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

You can find out more about eligibility on the government’s website.

Getting the cold weather payment doesn’t affect any other benefits you get.

If you’re eligible, you should get the payments automatically within 14 days, into the same account where you get your benefit payments.

But if you think you should get the payment and haven’t, then contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office, or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.