Brits urged to check if they are owed cold weather payments with task that takes minutes

Dropping temperatures can see your household bills skyrocket. But you could be eligible to receive Cold Weather Payments to help offset the additional cost of a bitter winter.

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the money when there is a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures. But how does it work? And who is eligible? We take a closer look…

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What are Cold Weather Payments?

The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills.

If the temperature in your area dips below 0°C for seven or more consecutive days between the 1st of November and 31st of March, you could be entitled to a payment of £25 for each week of very cold weather. Only people on certain benefits can claim, and Cold Weather Payments do not affect your other benefits.

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

• England and Wales: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility

• Northern Ireland: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility

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Who can get cold weather payments?

To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving certain benefits, including:

• Pension Credit

• Income Support

• Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Universal Credit - although there are certain exceptions

• Support for Mortgage Interest

Each cold weather payment is for a seven-day period and is worth £25.

More than one payment will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather. The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year.

How do I get cold weather payments and how long does it take?

People who already receive certain types of benefits should be automatically signed up to get Cold Weather Payments, which will be paid into the same bank account as your other benefits.

If you already get Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and you either have a baby or a child under 5 comes to live with you, then you should tell Jobcentre Plus. You may now be eligible for Cold Weather Payments when you might not have been before your living situation changed.

Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits. They are separate to the winter fuel payment, which is worth £200 or £300 depending on your individual circumstances.

How can I check if a Cold Weather Payment is due in my area?

All you need to do to see how many seven day periods of very cold weather have happened in your area is to enter the first half of your postcode to the Department for Work and Pensions ' Cold Weather Payment checker or use the NI Direct checker if you live in Northern Ireland.

If you live in ScotlandCold Weather Payments are only available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You might get an annual Winter Heating Payment instead if you live in Scotland. You’ll get this payment regardless of weather conditions in your area.

When will I get my Cold Weather Payment?

You should receive your Cold Weather Payment automatically within 14 days of the period of cold weather. If you don’t get a payment when you’re expecting to, get in touch with Jobcentre Plus or your pension centre.