An amber cold health alert has been put in place by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North East and North West of England until January 5
Snow and ice warnings have been issued for parts of England – and it could mean Cold Weather Payments end up being issued for some households.
An amber cold health alert has been put in place by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North East and North West of England until January 5.
The BBC reports that temperatures in these areas could fall to around -4C during this period. If freezing conditions last for several days, then Cold Weather Payments may end up being triggered.
Cold Weather Payments are worth £25 and they are awarded every time the average temperature where you live hits zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.
You can receive multiple Cold Weather Payments if you get several periods of freezing weather over winter. In order to get one, you must be in receipt of certain benefits, including:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if you get severe or enhanced disability premium, or a pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Universal Credit (if you’re not employed or “gainfully” self-employed, your partner is not employed or “gainfully” self-employed – you or your must also have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work, or have a child under five living with you)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (if you have any of the following: severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled,or a child under five living with you)
If you claim Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you will need to contact Jobcentre Plus to get a Cold Weather Payment if:
- You’ve had a baby
- A child under five has come to live with you
If you’re due a payment, the money should be paid into your bank account automatically within 14 working day. This means the majority of people won’t need to apply for it.
However, you will need to apply if you have a baby or if a child under the age of five comes to live with you. Cold Weather Payments are paid by the DWP and the scheme will run until March 31, 2026.
Cold Weather Payments are not available in Scotland. They have been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is worth £59.75.
