The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue Cold Weather Payments ranging from £25 to £75 for eligible individuals on six key benefits. These payments are designed to assist those who are financially vulnerable during the winter months, particularly when extra heating costs arise due to cold weather.
Who Is Eligible for Cold Weather Payments?
Cold Weather Payments are available to individuals receiving 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 (SMI)
These payments are made automatically between November and March each winter, whenever there is a period of cold weather. They are typically issued within 14 days and will appear on your bank statement. A three-day weather alert is triggered when the temperature falls below zero degrees Celsius for an extended period, prompting these payments.
Payment Amounts
The Cold Weather Payment varies, with £25 paid out for each period of cold weather lasting for seven consecutive days. The payment amount can rise to a maximum of £75 if the cold weather persists for longer durations.
Who Qualifies for Cold Weather Payments?
1. Income Support or Income-based JSA
If you receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you could qualify for Cold Weather Payments if you meet additional criteria, such as:
- A disability or pensioner premium
- A disabled child living with you
- Receiving Child Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element
- A child under 5 in your household
2. Income-related ESA
If you are receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Cold Weather Payments are typically issued if you are in the work-related activity group or the support group. You may also qualify if:
- You have a severe or enhanced disability premium
- You receive a pensioner premium
- You care for a disabled child
- You receive Child Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element
- You have a child under 5 living with you
3. Universal Credit
Universal Credit recipients may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments under the following conditions:
- You are not employed or gainfully self-employed (or your partner is not employed or self-employed)
- You or your partner have a health condition or disability and limited capability for work (with or without work-related activity)
- A child under 5 is living with you
- You claim a disabled child amount within your Universal Credit claim
It’s important to note that whether you or your partner are employed or self-employed does not affect eligibility if the other conditions are met.
4. Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
If you receive Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI), you may also qualify for Cold Weather Payments, provided:
- You are treated as getting a qualifying benefit such as the severe or enhanced disability premium
- You receive a pensioner premium
- You care for a disabled child
- You receive Child Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element
- You have a child under 5 in your care
It’s also possible to be treated as receiving a qualifying benefit if you applied for it but were denied due to high income.
When Are Cold Weather Payments Issued?
Cold Weather Payments are automatically issued during periods of cold weather, typically from November to March. Once eligibility is confirmed, payments will appear in your bank account within 14 days.
These payments serve as a financial buffer for those who need additional heating during the colder months, reducing the burden of increased energy costs during harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
Cold Weather Payments are a vital source of support for individuals on qualifying benefits. If you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be entitled to a Cold Weather Payment to help cover heating costs during periods of cold weather. Ensure your eligibility by meeting the necessary criteria, and watch for the arrival of payments as the winter season brings chilly temperatures across the UK.
Manish Kumar is a seasoned journalist and the Senior Editor at NewIndiaNetwork.com, with over a decade of experience in uncovering stories that matter. A leader both in the newsroom and beyond, he thrives on guiding his team to deliver impactful, thought-provoking content. When he’s not shaping headlines, you can find him sharing his insights on Twitter @humanish95 or connecting via email at manishdhanda60@gmail.com.
