Thousands of UK households could receive £25 Cold Weather Payments this week as temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as -7°C. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme automatically triggers when local temperatures drop below zero for seven consecutive days, offering financial support for energy bills to eligible low-income households.
The payments are processed automatically within 14 working days and deposited directly into the same bank account used for benefit payments. The scheme runs from November 1 to March 31 each year, meaning multiple payments can be received throughout winter if freezing conditions persist.
Who qualifies for the payment
Eligibility requires recipients to be claiming specific benefits during the cold weather period. These include Income Support, Universal Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, and Support for Mortgage Interest.
Additional conditions apply for most benefits. Universal Credit claimants qualify if neither they nor their partner is gainfully employed and they have a health condition limiting work capability or a child under five. Income Support recipients need a disability or pensioner premium, or must be living with a disabled child or child under five. Pension Credit recipients face no additional conditions.
Cold snap triggers health alert
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow Cold Health Alert for the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, expected to remain in place until 8am on Friday, November 21.
Dan Holley, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said: «As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice. There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill. This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures. People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.»
Scotland and Winter Fuel Payments
Scotland does not operate the Cold Weather Payment scheme. Instead, eligible households receive the Winter Heating Payment worth £59.75.
Meanwhile, Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 continue arriving in state pensioners' bank accounts throughout November and December. Around nine million pensioners qualify for these separate payments, which help cover energy costs. New eligibility rules this year require annual income under £35,000.
Money Saving Expert explained the payment process: «If you're eligible to get a cold weather payment, you don't need to apply – you'll be paid it automatically within 14 working days into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. Contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you think you should have received a cold weather payment but have not. If you're getting universal credit, you can do this by signing into your account and adding a note to your online journal, or by calling the universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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