The current winter weather, which has brought snow and freezing conditions to large parts of the country, has naturally had an impact on people's fuel bills as they look to keep their houses warm during the cold snap. In an effort to reduce the impact of the increased costs that the most vulnerable face during such weather, the government provides Cold Weather payments if and when certain criteria are met.

These payments, of £25 are made when the temperature in an area is at or below 0° Centigrade for 7 consecutive days, to eligible recipients. You do not have to apply for these payments, which are made automatically if you qualify.

Eligibility criteria

You may be eligible for these payments if you are in receipt of Pension Credit, or income Employment Support Allowance with a support or work related activity component

You may also be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment for each qualifying week 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:

Does my area qualify?

In order for Cold Weather payments to be issued, the temperature must remain at freezing or below for 7 consecutive days between the 1st November and 31st March.  These measurements are taken by Meteorological Office weather stations across the country.  In order to see if Cold Weather payments are being issued to your post code area, you should click HERE and enter your postcode.

If you would like any further information regarding these payments, then please do contact Dr Stoate by clicking HERE