Can I Get A Cold Weather Payment And How Much Are They?

Temperatures are set to plummet across the UK in the coming days.

Fuel use is likely to rise, and with energy prices at a high, bills could grow very steeply.

However, there is help at hand for people receiving benefits, in the form of Cold Weather Payments from the government when there is an extended period of freezing weather.

The system is different in Scotland, where those on low incomes and benefits may receive the Winter Heating Payment - but this does not depend on how low the temperature gets.

Cold Weather Payments are a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills during times of exceptionally cold weather.

These payments are not age-related. To qualify, you must already be eligible for one of five benefits and fulfil additional criteria outlined on the government website. The benefits could be:

Each Cold Weather Payment is paid for a seven-day period and is worth £25.

The scheme covers the period between 1 November and 31 March each year.

Hospital stays can affect payments, while benefit offices also want to know if you have had a baby or if a child under five lives with you.

The average temperature must be zero degrees Celsius - or less - for seven days in a row.

This temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.

The Winter Fuel Payment is a different benefit, paid out to pensioners.

More than 11 million pensioners receive that benefit, which is between £100 and £300, regardless of weather conditions. It is calculated according to age and whether you live alone.

This year it is boosted by an extra £300 cost-of-living payment.

Another, unconnected, benefit is the Warm Home Discount, which is a £150 rebate for some pensioners and people on low incomes.

You do not have to do anything in order to get Cold Weather Payments.

As the system knows all about you anyway, payments arrive automatically and are paid straight into your bank account within two weeks.

Each period of very cold weather in your area should trigger a payment. It is paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.

Cold Weather Payments do not affect your other benefits.

If you do not receive your Cold Weather Payment, tell the pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office.

How are you trying to keep warm in the cold weather? Have you been affected by the adverse weather? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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