Many UK households are soon set to receive financial support as Brits face heavy snow and days of very cold temperatures. The winter season often sees a surge in expenses for many households.
As temperatures drop, the instinctive response is to crank up the thermostat, leading to an increase in energy bills. However, financial relief may be on the horizon for low-income households struggling with high energy costs.
A special payment of £25 could be distributed to thousands of UK households. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) dispenses Cold Weather Payments during periods of extreme cold.
These payments are triggered when the average temperature in a household’s area is recorded or predicted to be 0C or below for seven consecutive days.
The winter season often sees a surge in expenses for many households
(Image: Getty)
According to the Met Office snow will ‘accumulate’ through the evening on Friday and continue into Sunday before turning to rain in central and southern areas of England. It will carry on falling as snow in northern England, where significant amounts could fall throughout Sunday.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales.
“Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
To be eligible for Cold Weather Payments, households must be on benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit. A £25 payment will be made for every period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
Households have been advised they do not need to apply for Cold Weather Payments as they’ll be paid automatically if eligible, reports Birmingham Live.