Thousands of households can now apply for Cold Weather Payments 2017
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Millions of vulnerable households are at risk of missing out on a discount to help warm their homes over the cold snap.
The Government's Cold Weather Payments scheme is designed to support struggling households in below-freezing weather - and as temperatures plummet to below zero, it means you may be able to apply for it.
The scheme is offered to people on low incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, such as pension credit or certain employment benefits, when temperatures sink below 0°C in the area they live in.
What is a Cold Weather Payment?
Cold Weather Payments are paid during extremely cold temperatures.
This is defined by the Met Office as when the average temperature is 0°C or below, for seven days in a row.
On Monday, the Met Office extended its Yellow severe weather warning to large parts of the East of England. It said in some areas, temperatures could plummet to a "perishingly cold" -10°C overnight. That's on top of 12 inches of snow in Scotland.
Even in London, where temperatures tend to be slightly milder, its currently hovering between -3°C and 3°C.
While the weather is set to rise over the course of the week, if you've been in 'freezing' weather for seven days or more so far - you could claim some financial help.
How much is a Cold Weather Payment?
This is a £25 a week payment for every seven-day spell of cold weather you experience. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Am I eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
The average temperature in your area needs to have been 0˚C or less for seven consecutive days. You can check your area’s temperature by using the DWP’s cold weather payment postcode checker .
You also need to be receiving certain benefits, such as one of the following (read more on whether you qualify for benefits, here) :
Pension Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
Universal Credit
How can I claim a Cold Weather Payment?
If you’re eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid automatically after each 7 day period of cold weather. You should receive your payment within 14 working days.
Contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but didn't.