What are Cold Weather payments, who is eligible and when could I be paid?
Aneira Davies
Social and newsletter writerThe Government scheme – aimed at helping low-income families meet extra heating costs – kicks in in November
With temperatures dropping day by day, it's tempting to put the heating on as soon as it gets colder.
But for many, turning on the heating is an added expense they don't need to worry about during a Cost of Living crisis.
Thankfully, there is some help available for vulnerable families in the form of the Government's Cold Weather Payments – and the money could be paid to thousands of households as soon as next month.
The extra cash boost is available to people claiming certain benefits, and is paid out when the weather drops below a certain temperature.
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What is the Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is a payout given by the Government to help certain households meet the extra costs of energy bills when the temperature drops.
Eligible households will get a payment of £25 for every 7 days of very cold weather between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Cold Weather Payments will not affect your other benefits.
What's the temperature got to reach?
The Government states that the Cold Weather Payment will be paid to households after a period of very cold weather, and defines this as 0°C or below.
The Government website explains: 'You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below over 7 consecutive days.'
Who gets the Cold Weather payment?
You may be able to receive the Cold Weather Payment if you claim 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 (SMI)
To get a Cold Weather Payment while claiming Universal Credit, you usually cannot be employed or self-employed. You must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You have a health condition or disability
- Have limited capability for work
- You have a child under 5 living with you
If you have a disabled child living with you, the rules are slightly different and it does not matter if you are employed or not.
What if I live in Scotland?
The Government scheme is not available to people living in Scotland.
Instead, you may be able to get the Winter Heating Payment from the Scottish Government instead.
This payment replaces the Cold Weather Payment and has the same eligibility requirements.
And, unlike the Cold Weather Payment, the Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets.
The Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment of £50 that’s paid automatically to eligible households.
Will I need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment?
No.
You won't need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment. Instead it'll be paid automatically to you via the same bank or building society you usually get your benefit payments in.
When will I get a Cold Weather Payment?
If eligible, you should get a Cold Weather Payment within 14 working days after the period of very cold weather.
While it's not currently available, the 2023 to 2024 scheme starts on 1 November 2023 and you'll be able to check if your area is due a payment from the same month.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount scheme launched on Monday, 16 October 2023 for winter 2023/4.
The scheme gives families £150 credit towards their electricity bills over the coming months.
Available to millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales, participating energy firms automatically discount the bills of households which are eligible for the scheme.
A spokesperson for the Government said: 'You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
'The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.'
See everything you need to know about the scheme here.
More financial help
If you're struggling financially, we've got plenty of tips and advice that may help.
Head to our Cost of Living Hub for information on what benefits and entitlements you may be able to claim, whatever your circumstances.
Bringing kids up on your own? Here are all the benefits and financial support for single parents in 2023.
We've also got tips from Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, or chat to other parents in our Netmums Forum below.
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