We thought we were done with cold weather after the last snow fall and freezing temperatures, but unfortunately, the Beast from the East may be returning once again this coming weekend according to the weather forecast. We are hoping it will not be with as much force as last time (even though it did not bother some people who still insisted on wearing shorts!).
While we seem to be learning more and more about how to prepare ourselves for snowy conditions, the government is also assisting those in desperate need of support, who may be additionally affected by the below zero temperatures.
If the average temperature in the area you live is recorded or forecasted to be zero degrees or lower for 7 consecutive days, and if you are receiving certain benefits we list below, you may be eligible to what's called Cold Weather Payment. For each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March, you may get a payment of £25. You don’t need to apply for this payment as it should be released automatically to those eligible for it.
The benefits that would make you eligible for Cold Weather Payments are:
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit made up of two parts - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it’s below £159.35 (for single people) or £243.25 (for couples).
Savings Credit is an additional payment for individuals who saved money towards their retirement, e.g. a pension.
You can get more information on Pension Credit here.
Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payment if you if you are receiving Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and have any of the following:
a disability or pensioner premium
a child who is disabled
Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
a child under 5 living with you
Universal Credit
You should be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you get Universal Credit, you’re not employed or self-employed and one of the following apply:
you get a limited capability for work amount (with or without a work-related activity amount)
you get the disabled child amount in your claim
you have a child under 5 living with you
You’ll also be eligible if you have a disabled child amount in your claim, whether you are employed or not.
To check if your area is due Cold Weather Payments, click here.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment