Cold weather payments: How to apply

By TARA EVANS
Created: 08:09 EST, 13 January 2010 Updated:

If you're on a low income, a cold weather payment may be available to help you for each week of very cold weather in your area.

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What are cold weather payments?

Cold weather payments are cash supplements for paying energy bills for those on certain benefits when the weather gets especially cold.

You get £25 per week if the temperature drops to below zero celsius (or is predicted to) for seven consecutive days between 1 November to 31 March.

These are different to winter fuel payments which are given to everyone over 60 to help towards paying their energy bills.

Are you eligible?

You may be eligible for a cold weather payment for each week of very cold weather if you get Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

You may also be eligible for a cold weather payment if you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the assessment phase and have one of the following:

  • A pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium.
  • A disability premium, enhanced disability premium or severe disability premium.
  • A disabled child premium.
  • Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability. element.
  • A child who is under five in the family.

If you are unsure or would like full details please visit www.direct.gov.uk

Check your postcode to see if you are scheduled to get any cold weather payments in your area. Sometimes the postcode checker is a little unreliable so it's worth checking this list of postcodes too.

Do I need to make a claim?

There is no need to make a claim. Payments are made automatically by the Income Support Computer System or Jobseeker's Allowance Payment System after the temperature has dropped.

A small number of cases are paid clerically by the Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office. If you think you should have received a payment but you haven't then you should contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus.

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