The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is getting ready to launch the Cold Weather Payments scheme for 2024 as temperatures drop in the UK. This automatic £25 payment is given to individuals who are on specific benefits or receiving support for mortgage interest. The payment will be provided to some residents in England and Wales when the temperature goes below 0C for seven days in a row. Even though the scheme is not active yet, it will start soon. The scheme is scheduled to start on Friday, November 1, and will continue until Monday, March 31, 2025, according to GOV.UK. The website explains, “If you’re eligible for Cold Weather Payments, you’ll receive £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. You should receive a payment within 14 working days after each period of very cold weather in your area.” These payments are deposited into the same bank or building society account as benefit payments. It is important to note that Cold Weather Payments do not impact eligibility for other benefits, as reported by Leicestershire Live.
If you are receiving Income Support or income-based JSA, you may qualify for the payments if you have a disability or pensioner premium, a disabled child, receive Child Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element, or have a child under five living with you. For those on income-related ESA, eligibility criteria include having a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a disabled child, receiving Child Tax Credits that include a disability or severe disability element, or having a child under five living with you. Universal Credit claimants can be eligible for the payment if they or their partner are not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’, have a health condition or disability and have a ‘limited capability for work’, or have a child under five living with them. If you receive support for mortgage interest, you will be eligible if you have a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a disabled child, receive Child Tax Credits that include a disability or severe disability element, or have a child under five living with you. Specific criteria must be met in order to receive Cold Weather Payments. Individuals will qualify if they are on:
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest
It’s important to stay informed about the eligibility criteria for Cold Weather Payments to ensure that you receive the support you are entitled to during periods of very cold weather. Stay updated on the scheme’s start date and make sure you meet the necessary requirements to benefit from this financial assistance during the winter months.
