Department for Work and Pensions Cold Weather Payments have been increased to £50 because the UK snow storm is so bad. £25 DWP Cold Weather Payments are awarded when the average temperature where you live hits zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.
Two payments have been triggered in 18 postcode districts, totalling £50, due to the ongoing cold temperatures. You don’t need to do anything to get the payments – if you’re eligible you should be paid automatically for any seven-day period of freezing weather.
You should get the money within 14 working days of each cold weather period, and it will be paid into the same bank or building society as your benefit or pension payments. If you’re not sure whether the temperature has met the threshold where you live, the Government has a handy online postcode checker.
BREAD MORE Blue Badge holders face £1,000 fine under plan to ‘tackle’ trend
All you need to do is enter the first part of your postcode, and it will let you know if any payments are due in your area. You’ll usually get the payments if you receive Pension Credit (only if you don’t live in a care home) and Income Support and income-based jobseeker’s allowance if you have a disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, get Child Tax Credits that include a disability or severe disability element, or you have a child under five living with you.
You will also qualify if you claim Income-related employment and support allowance. You’ll be eligible if you have a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, get Child Tax Credits that include a disability or severe disability element, or you have a child under five living with you.
Universal Credit claimants will be eligible if you have a health condition or disability and have a ‘limited capability for work’, or you have a child under five living with you. Support for mortgage interest (SMI) claimants will be eligible if you get SMI and also have a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, get Child Tax Credits that include a disability or severe disability element, or you have a child under five living with you.