Cold Weather Payments - Who Gets Them?

Cold Weather payments may be available - automatically - if you are in the 'low income' group.

To qualify for cold weather payments, you have to live in certain areas areas of the UK, where there are 'triggering'  weather conditions during the winter months.

You do not have to receive the pensioner's winter fuel payments. It is possible for other benefits claimants to receive the Cold Weather Payments.

The payment this winter November 1st 2009 March 31st 2010 is £25.00 for each week that it is payable in your area.

Who will Get the Cold Weather Payment?                                                                       

The persons who are eligible for Cold Weather Payments are those who are on low incomes and live in a postal area where the temperature drops to Zero deg C for a period of seven consecutive days between the dates of 1st November 2009 and 31st March 2010.

Probably.......

• If you are receiving Pension Credit, you will probably be entitled to the CWP each week as set out below.

• If you are on Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - with support and/or work activity in the main phase of the scheme.

You 'could' also get the Cold weather Payment if .....

• If you are getting Income Support.

• Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance.

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the Assessment phase - ie being assessed but not finalised.

IF You have one of the following>>>>>

• A Pensioner Premium, A Higher Pensioner Premium, or an Enhanced Pensioner Premium.

• If you get a Disability Pension, or an enhanced Disability Pension, or if you have a Severe Disability Pension.

• If you have a Disability Premium, and Enhanced Disability Premium, or if you have a Severe Disability Premium.

• If you get a Disabled Child Premium

How do Cold Weather Payments work?

You will get the cold weather payment if the temperature in your postal code falls to 0 deg C for a period of seven days in a line. If there is a warm day in the middle, the payment is not made.

The Met Office is responsible for which areas are deemed to have triggered the payment. They will decide if your postal code has been - or is Forecast to be - below 0 deg C for any period of seven consecutive days. The payments are only due for those living within that postal code area. The Cold Weather Payment is made to you - if you qualify - automatically. You can expect to get it within 12 days of the seven days 'trigger'. There is no need to apply.

How Much is the Cold Weather Payment?

The Payment is £25.00 for each of the weeks that the temperature drops to freezing (0 deg C)or below in your postal area. No one gets more - or less. It is a standard payment. It will get to you automatically within 12 days of the benefit clicking in - as outlined above.

If you think you should have received the Cold Weather Payment, but have not got it after 12 days, then tell your JobCentre Plus, or your local Pension Centre.

The Cold weather Payment does not affect any other benefits you receive. It will not be deducted from them or whatever.

This will tell you if your postal area has been selected for payment.

http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/cold-weather-payment/home.asp