WELFARE RIGHTS

Cold Weather Payments

If you're receiving certain benefits, you could qualify for extra money for each week there is very cold weather in your area. This is known as a Cold Weather Payment.

The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2019 to 31 March 2020. Each Cold Weather Payment is £25. Payment is automatic if you receive a qualifying benefit and the temperature in your postcode area is, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

To check whether the temperature in your area is low enough for you to receive a payment, you can use the Cold Weather Payment checker https://coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk

WHO CAN GET COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS?

If you receive any of the following benefits, you could qualify for a Cold Weather Payment:

Pension Credit

You will usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Pension Credit.

Support for Mortgage Interest loan payments

You will usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Support for Mortgage Interest loan payments.

Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)

You will usually receive Cold Weather Payments if you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance and are in the support or work-related activity group, or you have any of the following:

•a severe or enhanced disability premium

•a pensioner premium

•a child who is disabled

• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

•a child under five living with you.

Universal Credit

You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Universal Credit and you’re not employed or self-employed, and one of the following apply:

•you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without a work-related activity amount)

•you get an increase for a disabled or severely disabled child in your claim

•you have a child under five living with you.

Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)

You will usually receive Cold Weather Payments if you also have any of following:

•a disability or pensioner premium

•a child who is disabled

• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

•a child under five living with you.

DO COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS AFFECT MY OTHER BENEFITS?

Cold Weather Payments don’t affect other benefits you may be getting.

HOW YOU WILL BE PAID

You do not need to apply for Cold Weather Payment - payment will usually be made automatically. You will receive your Cold Weather Payment in the same way as you usually receive your benefit.

WHAT IF I DO NOT RECEIVE MY COLD WEATHER PAYMENT?

You should tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but you have not. If you’re getting Universal Credit, sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.

Jacqueline Lange Welfare Rights Adviser Digby Brown Solicitors.