£4m handed out in cold weather payments already this year

Over £4m has already been paid out to vulnerable households because of chilly conditions this winter, new figures from Uswitch.com show.

With 12 sub-zero events triggering the cold weather payment scheme, it’s a little bit extra towards the bills.

What are cold weather payments?

The £25 payments kick in when temperatures dip to 0C or below for seven days in a row.

If you're receiving certain benefits, like pension credit, you might just qualify for the payments.

And good news: you don't have to apply. Payments land in your account automatically within 14 working days.

This winter has already seen 173,000 payments made.

Where have payments been made?

Three areas – Penrith, Otterburn and Langholm – have seen conditions triggered twice this winter.

Despite the January chill, only nine areas met the criteria for payouts this time around:

• Shap, Penrith
• Redesdale, Otterburn
• Eskdalemuir, Langholm
• Albemarle, Alnwick
• Bingley, Bradford
• Leek
• Bainbridge, Hawes
• Charterhall, Duns
• Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn

Fun fact: In the past four winters, the Albemarle weather station near Alnwick has seen the highest total of cold weather payments, amounting to over £16m for its 663,000 residents.

Other places which have had some of the highest payments include Bingley (six), Rochdale (four), Libanus in Brecon (four), Charlwood in Horley (four), Rostherne in Knutsford (three) and Rothamsted in Harpenden (three).

Stay warm tips

• Use a hot water bottle: a classic way to keep cosy.
• Drink up: hot drinks can warm you from the inside.
• Enjoy a good hot meal: soups and stews are winter essentials.
• Wear slippers and cover up: keep those toes and joints warm.
• Layer up: thermal vests are your best friends in the cold.

We’ve got tons more tips on staying warm and healthy without popping the heating on, plus 50 ways you can save energy.

Have you fallen behind on your energy bills?

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills, then it’s also worth speaking to your supplier about what help they can offer, such as reduced payment plans or grants.

It might also be a good idea to get free debt advice. 

We can check you’re claiming all the benefits available to you, offer budgeting advice and talk you through the range of debt solutions available. 

All our advice is free and impartial. Some debt solutions are also free, for others there are fees.