Cold Weather Payments | Tenant news

Cold Weather Payments

For many of us, the freezing temperatures in the lead-up to Christmas have meant turning on our heating for the first time this year. The government is making Cold Weather Payments to people on the lowest incomes to help with the additional energy costs.

What is the Cold Weather Payment?

If the temperature in your area has been 0°C or below for at least seven days in a row, the government will send you money to help you pay extra energy costs.

To find out if your area qualifies, use the search tool on the government’s cold weather payment website. https://coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk/

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for the cold weather payment if you receive any of the following:

• Pension credit
• Income support AND you are disabled or have a disabled child, or a child under 5 years old, or a premium pension;
• Universal credit AND you are disabled or have a child under 5 years old;
• Support for mortgage interest, AND you are disabled or have a disabled child, or a child under 5 years old or receive a premium pension.

What you’ll be paid

The government will pay you £25 within 14 working days of the very cold period. The money will be paid into the same bank account as your benefits or support for mortgage interest.

How to claim the cold weather payment

If you qualify for a Cold Weather Payment, you will automatically be sent the money. You do not need to make a claim.

If you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but you have not had one, contact the Pension helpline on 0800 731 0469.