What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
- Published
The first cold weather payments have been triggered for winter 2024.
Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the payout after a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.
In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a separate winter heating payment, which does not depend on how low the temperature falls.
What are cold weather payments and when are they triggered?
The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills, external.
The average temperature in a local area must be zero degrees Celsius - or less - for seven days in a row, or be forecast to be below freezing for seven consecutive days.
As at 19 November, the first payments had been triggered in 12 postcode areas in Cumbria, four in Northumberland, and two postcodes in the Scottish Borders which also cover part of England. Only eligible people who live in the English part of the postcode are entitled to a payment.
The temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.
England and Wales: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility, external
Northern Ireland: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility, external
Just under 1.2 million payments were made in England and Wales between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024, external after 31 qualifying periods of cold weather.
Who can get cold weather payments and how much are they?
To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving certain benefits, including:, external
Pension Credit
Income Support
income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Universal Credit - although there are certain exceptions
Support for Mortgage Interest
Each cold weather payment is paid for a seven-day period and is worth £25.
More than one payment will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather.
The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Hospital stays can affect payments.
You should also tell Jobcentre Plus, external if you have a baby or if a child under five comes to live with you.
In Scotland, the winter heating payment is worth £58.75, external, and will be paid to those who are eligible from December 2024.
How do I get cold weather payments and how long does it take?
You do not have to do anything in order to get cold weather payments.
The money should be paid automatically into the same bank or building society account as your benefits, within two weeks of the qualifying period of cold weather.
If you do not receive a payment, you can contact the Pension Service, external or Jobcentre Plus, external.
Watch: A minute of money-saving tips with the BBC's Matt Taylor and Colletta Smith
Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
They are separate to the winter fuel payment, which is worth £200 or £300 depending on your individual circumstances.
The rules on this have changed, and 2024 payments will only go to those on low incomes who receive certain benefits, including pension credit.