Thousands of households receiving certain Department for Work and Pensions benefits could miss out on vital £25 Cold Weather Payments this winter unless they take immediate action.
Who needs to apply for cold weather support?
While most eligible recipients receive payments automatically, people claiming three specific benefits must contact Jobcentre Plus to receive the financial support. Those affected include claimants of Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
The requirement to apply specifically affects households where a baby has been born or a child under five has come to live with them during the qualifying period. Without proactively contacting authorities, these families risk being denied the £25 payments designed to help with heating costs during freezing weather.
How the Cold Weather Payment scheme works
The support programme runs annually from 1 November to 31 March in England and Wales, providing extra financial assistance during prolonged cold spells. Payments are triggered when the average temperature in a specific postcode area is recorded or forecast to be 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, individuals must receive one of several benefits including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest, or the three benefits mentioned previously.
Automatic payments versus required applications
For most qualifying individuals, Cold Weather Payments are made automatically and don't affect other benefit entitlements. Pension Credit recipients typically receive payments without needing to apply.
However, Universal Credit claimants face additional criteria. They usually cannot be employed or self-employed unless they have a health condition, disability, limited capability for work, or a child under five living with them. Households with a disabled child can qualify regardless of employment status.
All payments are made directly into the same bank or building society account used for regular benefit payments, providing seamless financial support during the coldest winter periods.
