Cold weather compensation

Temperatures have dropped dramatically in recent days with snow and ice forecast to arrive later this week in some parts of the UK.

Millions of households up and down the country will start to turn on or up their heating for the first time since last winter.

But, with energy prices still high and the withdrawal of last winter’s government support, the freezing temperatures will be worrying for households already struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

But there is extra help available.

Cold weather payments from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) pay out £25 to eligible households when temperatures drop below a certain level.

The money, which is available between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024, will be paid directly into your bank account when temperatures drop below zero for seven days in a row.

Here’s all you need to know:

Who’s eligible for a cold weather payment?

You might get cold weather payments if you’re claiming certain benefits such as:

• Pension credit
• Income support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Universal credit
• Support for mortgage interest

You’ll get a payment – paid automatically into your bank account – if the average temperatures in your area are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for more than seven consecutive days.

What will you get?

You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.

How do they differ from winter fuel payments?

Cold weather payments aren’t the same as winter fuel payments.

Winter fuel payments are for people born before 25 September 1957 and provide between £250 and £600 to help towards heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘pensioner cost of living payment’ of between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. Ans it’s additional to any other cost of living payments you get with your benefits or tax credits.

Most people will get the winter fuel payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. You’ll then receive your payment in either November or December.

If you haven’t received a letter but you think you could be eligible, you could complete an enquiry form at www.gov.uk or call 0800 731 0160.