Are you eligible for a cold weather payment? Check to see if YOU can claim up to £1,500 in benefits...
In these frosty times in the United Kingdom, numerous households could be qualified to receive cold weather payments amounting to as much as £1,500.
If you meet the criteria, you could receive up to seven different types of payments, such as the cold weather payment, the child winter heating payment, and housing support.
Today, some regions of Britain, particularly in the South East, are experiencing an intense cold snap that has led to the accumulation of snow and ice. This sudden change in weather is due to the drastic drop in temperature that occurred overnight.
As winter approaches in Britain and people prepare to keep themselves warm by turning up the heat, there is a chance that you could be qualified for assistance in dealing with the freezing temperatures.
The following list includes all the things you might be entitled to, depending on your location in the United Kingdom:
As the UK braces for a chilly winter ahead and families gear up to heat their homes, you may qualify for assistance to stay warm during the upcoming frosty evenings (Photo: Grant Falvey/LNP).
Get £25 For Cold Weather Payment
If the temperature in your region is noted as or estimated to be zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven back-to-back days, then you will receive a payment.
From November 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, you will receive £25 for every 7 consecutive days of extremely low temperatures.
If you're receiving specific benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, then you might be eligible for Cold Weather Payments.
More information regarding eligibility can be retrieved from the official government website.
You will receive these payments automatically if you meet the criteria. There is no need for you to apply, but you may have to inform Jobcentre Plus if you have a newborn or if a child under the age of 5 comes to reside with you.
If you happen to dwell in Scotland, it is not possible to receive Cold Weather Payments. However, it is probable that you might be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. This payment will be granted to you regardless of the prevailing weather situation in your locality.
If the temperature in your vicinity stays at zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven continuous days, you'll receive a payment. This also applies if it's anticipated to reach that temperature based on the forecast. (Image: PA)
Get £150 Off With Warm Home Discount
Numerous residences qualify for a single £150 deduction from their energy expenses using the warm home discount program.
Every year between October and March, customers can enjoy a reduction in prices.
Once again, it is necessary to assert eligibility for specific benefits in order to qualify, such as:
In case you reside in either England or Wales, you will obtain the warm home discount without having to take any extra steps.
Nonetheless, individuals residing in Scotland who do not meet the criteria for the 'core group' may need to submit an application through their respective energy provider.
Get Up To £600 With Winter Fuel Payment
If your birth date is before 25th September 1957, you may receive an amount ranging from £250 to £600 for assistance with your heating expenses, referred to as Winter Fuel Payment.
The sum of money you receive comes with a bonus called a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which typically ranges from £150 to £300.
People who qualify will receive an additional sum of money during the winter season of 2023 to 2024. This added amount is in extra to any other payments for the cost of living that you receive from benefits or tax credits.
Additional information regarding the criteria for eligibility can be located on the official website of the government.
Individuals who meet the qualifications would have received a notice either in October or November, letting them know that they qualify. The majority of the payments are typically distributed during November or December, but a few families may still receive their payment this month.
If you haven't received payment by January 26th, it's recommended to contact the center responsible for Winter Fuel Payment.
Get £350 With Household Support Fund
Families in need all over the nation have access to a fund that provides assistance for essential items throughout the winter season.
This financial support is for the timeframe from October 6th, 2021 to March 31st, 2024 and the assistance available to you will be different depending on your location and the portion of the fund that your local council has received.
The funding is disseminated either as direct cash transfers or vouchers that can be utilized to fulfill daily requirements like food, clothing, and basic utilities.
At present, four regions in England are providing assistance that can amount to £350. These regions are East Riding Council, Bromley, Stockton-on-Tees, and Southend-on-Sea.
Get Up To £1,500 Through Energy Grants
Energy companies in the UK have been known to provide financial assistance to customers who are having difficulty making their payments. However, the type and amount of support available may differ depending on the specific energy provider.
Grants as high as £1,500 are offered by British Gas, and up to £750 can be claimed by households with Scottish Power.
You might want to reach out to your energy provider to inquire about possible options that are available to you.
Energy companies located in the United Kingdom occasionally provide grants to their customers who encounter difficulties in settling their bills. However, the scope of what you are eligible for might differ depending on the company you are dealing with. (Picture source: Peter Macdiamid/LNP)
Get £50 In Fuel Vouchers
If you utilize a pay-as-you-go meter, there's a possibility to acquire a singular voucher to replenish your power.
The Fuel Bank Foundation charity provides the voucher which is available from different groups like Citizens Advice and multiple food banks.
To check if you're eligible for a fuel voucher from a nearby organization, begin by inquiring with your local government.
The coupon is expected to provide assistance in paying for approximately 14 days' worth of electricity consumption.
You can also inquire with your energy provider as they may distribute their own vouchers. Don't hesitate to ask!
Scotland Winter Child Heating Allowance - £235
The Scottish Government provides a beneficial payment called Child Winter Heating Payment, which was initially disbursed in 2020. This payment was formerly referred to as the Child Winter Heating Assistance.
This payment intends to provide assistance to families with disabled children and young individuals, helping them cover the additional expenses on heating during winter.
The cost for the wintertime of 2023-2024 comes to a total of £235.70, and this fee is due yearly with about 26,000 payments having been processed during the 2022-2023 period.
In Scotland, kids and youngsters below 19 years old can receive help if they're receiving any of the 'qualifying benefits' listed below:
People who are applying for this must receive it on one of the days in the third complete week of September.
Individuals who meet the requirements have the opportunity to submit an application through completing a physical document obtainable on the official website of the Scottish Government.
Despite the payments mentioned previously, energy bills have significantly increased; therefore, it is crucial to minimize expenses as much as feasible.
Starting from November 2023, people started making payments for the winter season of 2023-2024.
