Cold weather payment: am I eligible?

Fuel poverty is a huge problem in the UK. It’s estimated that around 10% of us are unable to pay our gas and electricity bills and still live comfortably. And for those of us who are financially vulnerable, this can be a cause of great concern when winter comes around and heating costs inevitably rise. A Cold Weather Payment could be extremely useful to vulnerable households when outside temperatures get to freezing or below.

Let’s take a closer look at the Cold Weather Payment and your potential eligibility.

What is the Cold Weather Payment?

The Cold Weather Payment was designed to help the financially vulnerable to heat their homes when the area in which they live experiences a period of extreme cold. Under the scheme, recipients get a flat payment for every 7 day period where the temperature in their area is zero degrees celsius or below between 1st November and 31st March.

You can find out more about the Cold Weather Payment at the Gov.uk website.

Who is eligible for a Cold Weather Payment?

Unlike a Winter Fuel Payment, a Cold Weather Payment is not limited to those of pensionable age. A household is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment if the temperature in their area meets the temperature criteria above for 7 days and they are in receipt of any of the following income-related benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support for Mortgage Interest

If householders have a child under the age of 5, a child with a disability, a disability, a pensioner premium, or a Child Tax Credit with a disability element, they are likely to be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment.

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How do you get a Cold Weather Payment?

The good news is that you don’t need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment. If you’re eligible for it, it is paid into your account automatically.

How much is a Cold Weather Payment?

Cold Weather Payments are £25 per 7 day period in which the outside temperature is zero degrees or below. Payment is usually made within 14 days of the period’s end. In most cases, payments are made into the same bank account as recipients’ other benefits.

When is the Cold Weather Payment due?

The Cold Weather Payment scheme starts on 1st November 2020 and is carried through to the end of March 2021. If your area reaches temperatures of zero degrees or lower within this period and you meet the eligibility criteria above, you will automatically receive your Cold Weather Payment within 14 days after the cold period ends.

Keeping your home affordably warm in winter starts with the right tariff!

Government support like the Cold Weather Payment, Winter Fuel Allowance and Warm Home Discount are all great ways to support those who are in fuel poverty. As is the national energy price cap established by Ofgem (which is currently set at a maximum of £1,042 per year).

However, being able to heat your home affordably starts with finding the right supplier and the right tariff for your needs. That’s where we come in.

We scour the market to bring you the very best prices, saving you money on your energy all year round. We can even manage your switch from end-to-end. So you can enjoy cheaper energy without hassle or headaches.

Want to know more?

Call us today on 0330 818 6223. We’re available from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm.

Want to know more on this topic? Check out these guides:

• Energy Ombudsman
• Warm home discount
• Winter fuel payment
• Fuel poverty

FAQ

What is a WFP payment from the DWP?

A WFP or Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit administrated by the Department of Work and Pensions. It is a one-off, tax-free payment of anywhere between £100-£300 depending on your circumstances. It is designed to help those of pensionable age keep their homes warm over winter. You can find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment here.

You get a Cold Weather Payment on PIP?

Unfortunately, a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not one of the benefits that entitles households to a Cold Weather Payment. Cold Weather Payments are generally reserved for those who are on income-related benefits.

What other benefits can I receive while on PIP?

The Personal Independence Payment replaces the Disability Living Allowance and is designed to help those with disabilities to live as independently as possible. If you receive a PIP and another form of income-based support, or you receive a child aged 5 or below living in your home, you may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount, which is administrated through your energy supplier.

But be warned, not all suppliers offer this discount!

Do you get a Christmas bonus on PIP?

Yes! If you get PIP, you also qualify for a Christmas Bonus. This is currently set at £10 each year. The Christmas bonus is paid automatically into the same account as your other benefits. It does not affect your eligibility or payments of any other benefits you may receive.