Cold Weather Payments 2019 – how to get help paying energy bills this winter
VULNERABLE households may be able to get help with their energy bills during winter when the temperature drops.
If you're on Universal Credit or other benefits then you may be entitled to a discount so you can heat your home without worrying how you'll pay for it.
The money is a grant from the government and you don't have to pay it back.
But not everyone is automatically entitled to the extra money - only those on specific benefits can claim as long as temperatures have dropped below zero degrees for seven days in a row.
The minister for welfare delivery Will Quince said: "It's critical that the most vulnerable get support when they need it most and sustained periods of cold weather can cause people to worry about their fuel bills."
Here's everything you need to know about the cold weather payment:
What is the cold weather payment scheme?
The scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions and is available from November 1 and March 31 every year.
It allows households on certain benefits to claim £25 towards their energy bills when the temperature drops below 0.
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You'll only be able to apply for the payout if the temperature is recorded as sub-zero where you live for seven days straight.
It doesn't affect your other benefits and is paid into the same bank or building society account as the ones your welfare payments are transferred into.
If you're eligible then you will receive the payment within 14 working days.
Who is eligible?
Not everyone is automatically entitled to claim the help. You are eligible for the payment if you claim:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest.
You may also be able to claim help if you meet one of the following criteria, depending on your circumstances:
- Be in receipt of a disability or pension premium
- Have a child under 5 living with them
- Be in receipt of Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Have a child who is disabled
- Be in receipt of a limited capability for work amount
- Have a severe or enhanced disability premium.
You can check if you're eligible for a cold weather payment by entering in your postcode into the .
How do I apply for it?
You don't need to apply for the cold weather payment as it's paid automatically into the bank account that your benefits are paid into.
If you don’t receive a payment and believe you’re eligible then you can tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office, or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344.
Is it different to the winter fuel payment?
The cold winter payment and the winter fuel payment are different - you may even be entitled to both.
If you were born on or before April 5, 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help with your heating bills.
This is known as the winter fuel payment and they're paid automatically.
If you think you may be entitled to the extra help then you can read our guide here.