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What are cold weather payments and who can get them?

Reuters A cold-looking man and woman walk along a snow-covered path beside a hedge in a blizzard. They are wearing winter coats and carrying groceries including toilet roll.Reuters

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.

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.

Just under 1.2 million payments were made in England and Wales between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024 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:

  • 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.

Getty Images An older woman with silver hair has her hand on an old-fashioned radiator under a windowsill with three plants in pots. She is looking at an energy bill in her hand.Getty Images

Hospital stays can affect payments.

You should also tell Jobcentre Plus 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, 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 or Jobcentre Plus.

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.