Cold Weather Payments kick in for these UK areas – will you get the money from government?

UK temperatures have plummeted recently, with many Britons no doubt rushing to crank up the central heating in order to stay warm. On Monday, the Met Office issued a weather warning for the wintry conditions, and it seems that the potential of ice and snow is set to continue. In some corners of the UK, billpayers will now be eligible for Cold Weather Payments – providing them with financial support for those extra heating costs. So, what exactly are these payments, and who is able to get them?

What are Cold Weather Payments?

Cold Weather Payments are given to some people by the government during periods of particularly bad weather.

Those eligible will receive £25 for each seven day period of cold weather, provided this is within November 1 and March 31.

In order to get the payment, the average temperature in your area must be recorded as – or forecast to be – zero degrees or below, for seven days in a row.

After each period of poor weather, the payment should be made into your bank or building society account within 14 working days, the website gov.uk explains.

Who is eligible for Cold Weather Payments?

Understandably, the payments are only available to the people living in the areas of cold weather at the time.

You may be eligible to get the sum of money if you receive pension credit, income support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support allowance.

Those who receive universal credit or support for mortgage interest may also get the payments.

The payments will be paid automatically, meaning you do not need to claim for it.

You should tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you qualified for the money but have not received it.

Alternatively, Universal Credit claimants can contact the helpline on 0800 328 9344 between 9 am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

Which areas of the UK are eligible for Cold Weather Payments at the moment?

As it stands, there are currently four areas in which you could get the payment, according to The Mirror.

These are all based in Scotland.

1. Aviemore, Scottish Highlands

2. Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

3. Loch Glascarnoch, Scotland

4. Tulloch Bridge, Scotland

Check if a payment is due in your area with the government’s Cold Weather Payment checker.

source: express.co.uk