The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may issue Cold Weather Payments to households when temperatures drop sharply. These payments are made to people who claim certain benefits or receive Support for Mortgage Interest.
How the scheme works
The payment period runs from the start of November to the end of March. Eligible households receive a payment when the temperature in their area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
With the UK experiencing its first cold snap of winter, payments could be triggered soon. On Friday night, temperatures are expected to fall to minus 6C in some parts of the country.
Health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first yellow cold health alert of the season this week, covering the North West and West Midlands. The warning came into effect at 9am on Thursday and remains in place until noon on Saturday.
The agency said colder weather can lead to increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Eligibility and payment amounts
Anyone eligible will be paid £25 for each seven-day period of cold weather from November to the end of March. Eligible individuals receive the payment automatically if they claim one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
From November 1 to March 31, eligible households will get a £25 payment for each seven-day period of particularly cold weather. After each cold period, payments are made within 14 working days.
