Can I get a Cold Weather Payment for 2023/2024?

A cold weather payment is a benefit that is paid universally to certain those who claim government claimants and is distributed by the Department for Works and Pensions, whether you get a payment depends on how cold it gets and for how long. Cold weather payments are only paid when the temperature drops to Zero Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days and are to support vulnerable people with energy bills.

The benefit has been in place since 1992 and is a lifeline to many who need additional help dealing with the coldest parts of the year.

Which benefits qualify you for a cold weather payment?

Certain eligibility rules apply depending on the type of benefit you are claiming. Firstly you must get one of the following benefits:-

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

For pension credit claimants there are no further requirements, and you will be eligible no matter your circumstances.

If you are claiming Income support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance you need one of the below to be eligible.

• a disability or pensioner premium
• a child who is disabled
• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• a child under 5 living with you

If you receive Income Related Employment Support Allowance you need to receive one of the below:-

• a severe or enhanced disability premium
• a pensioner premium
• a child who is disabled
• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• a child under 5 living with you

If you receive Universal Credit you must meet two eligibility criteria:-

Firstly one of the below must a apply :-

• you are not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’ (Intend to make a Profit)
• your partner is not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’ (if you have a partner)

One of the following must also apply:

• you or your partner have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without work-related activity)
• you have a child under 5 living with you

If you are claiming Support for Mortgage Payments one of the below must apply:

• a severe or enhanced disability premium
• a pensioner premium
• you have a child who is disabled
• you get Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• you have a child under 5 living with you

What will you receive and when?

The benefit is paid when the weather in your area falls to Zero or Below for 7 consecutive days, the total payment received for each 7 day period is £25. Payments are usually paid within 14 days of each cold snap. The Cold Weather Payment will be given during a period of very cold weather between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.

If a child under five starts living with you or you have a baby, you need to inform the DWP if you are claiming Income support, Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance or the benefit will not be paid.

What should I do if I don’t receive a payment and I am eligible?

You need to contact the section of the Department of Working Pensions that administers your benefits, which will be the Pension Service, Job Centre Plus, or Universal Credit.

Pension Service Contact Details

Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456

The Job Centre Plus – Contact Details

Contact your local office direct to discuss :-

https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/

Universal Credit Contact Details

You can contact Universal Credits via your Journal, If you do not have an online account, ring the Universal Credit helpline instead.

General help – Universal Credit
0800 328 5644
Hours: Mon – Fri 08:00–18:00

I hope you found this article useful – Money Lad