October 24th 2023.
With energy bills set to remain high this winter, it's understandable that many of us are concerned about turning the heating on. The good news is, there is help available for those who need it.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme starts on November 1st 2023 and runs through to March 31st 2024. Eligible households could receive a payment of £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather during this time.
To qualify for the Cold Weather Payment, you need to be receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you are receiving certain benefits and have a young baby or a child under five living with you, you also need to let Job Centre Plus know.
You don't need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment – if you’re eligible you will be paid it automatically. If you think you should have received the payment but don’t, you can contact Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus, or if you’re claiming Universal Credit, put a note in your journal or ring the Universal Credit hotline.
If you don't qualify for the Cold Weather Payment, it's worth looking into the Warm Home Discount Scheme or the Winter Fuel Payment. These are different schemes, so check if you’re able to receive them at gov.uk.
It's important to remember that the Cold Weather Payment is different from the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a sum between £250 and £600 paid to eligible people born before 25 September 1957. People living in Scotland also do not qualify for Cold Weather Payments, but could get an annual £50 Winter Heating Payment instead.
Hopefully this information can help you keep the heating on this winter.
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