Who can get a cold weather payment as snow and ice hits UK
People living in Britain are currently experiencing a period of low temperatures which is predicted to continue until the end of this week. On Monday, some areas in the south-east of England, such as Kent, were covered in snow and temperatures dropped to below zero.
There is currently a cold health alert in place until Friday at 12 pm for various regions in England such as the North West, Midlands, South West and South East. The alert is coded as amber.
After the snow on Monday, the weather forecast predicts that Tuesday will be mostly dry, but still chilly. The Met Office reports that temperatures in the southern regions will not go above 1°C to 3°C.
A warning called the "amber alert" has been released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This warning indicates that the entire health service will probably experience the effects of cold weather for a long period of time.
The administration is providing assistance via the cold weather payment program to numerous individuals facing difficulties with paying for warmth and heating in their residences.
In this blog post, we will discuss the individuals who qualify for this assistance and the procedures to obtain the aid.
What's The Cold Weather Payment?
The chilly climate payment is a type of economic assistance that aids individuals during times of extremely low temperature.
These payments vary from the winter fuel payment, which exists solely to assist with the payment of heating bills.
Scotland no longer offers the cold weather payment option. Nevertheless, there is a chance that you may still receive a winter heating payment to keep you warm and cozy. Fortunately, the winter heating payment will be granted to you whether it's freezing outside or not.
Who Qualifies For Cold Weather Payments?
People who receive particular benefits or help with mortgage interest can get cold weather payments.
If you already receive certain benefits, you could be entitled to receive a payment intended for cold weather conditions.
In case you are a parent to a young child aged five or below or have recently given birth, you may be qualified for cold weather payments as well. However, it is important to notify Jobcentre Plus if you are currently receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
When Will I Get Paid?
People who qualify to get paid must have a temperature average of 0°C or lower that is either recorded or predicted to continue for seven days in a row.
No application is necessary to receive the payment. It will be deposited into the same bank or building society where you usually receive your benefit payment.
The payment is expected to be delivered to you in a maximum of 14 business days after the conclusion of each seven-day period marked by low temperatures.
If you believe that you are eligible for a cold weather payment but have not received it, it is recommended that you get in touch with your pension center or Jobcentre Plus office. Alternatively, if you are receiving universal credit, you can contact the helpline on 0800 328 9344 for further assistance.
What's My Payment?
If very cold weather occurs for seven consecutive days anytime from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2024, you will receive a payment of £25.
You can use the DWP's website tool to verify if there are any outstanding payments in your location by entering your postcode.
