Cold weather payments

What is a cold weather payment?

A Cold Weather Payment is money to help with fuel costs during periods of very cold weather. The period of cold weather must cover seven consecutive days, between 1 November and 31 March, when the average temperature must be zero degrees Celsius or below.

Can I get a Cold Weather Payment?

You might qualify for a Cold Weather Payment if you are claiming Pension Credit and do not live in a care home. You may also be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if you do not live in a care home and are claiming Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit as long as one of these statements also applies to you:

· You get an extra amount in your benefit (a premium) for having a disability or for being over state pension age

· You have a child under five

· You have a child and you get Child Tax Credit with an extra amount for their disability.

How much Cold Weather Payment will I get?

You will receive £25.00 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

How will I be paid a Cold Weather Payment?

A Cold Weather Payment will be paid directly into your Bank, Building Society or Post Office account or through the Payment Exception Service if you are unable to open or manage one of these or a similar account. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days.