To determine if you qualify for cold weather payments and the expected timeline for receiving the funds.

A cold snap has seen the UK blanketed in snow as plunging temperatures reach lows of -10C in parts of the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health alert, meaning that the impacts of the weather are likely to be felt across the health service for a long period.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers assistance to individuals during cold weather through the Cold Weather Payment program. Eligible households can receive a single payment of £25 for every seven-day period in which the temperature in their area drops to or below zero degrees.

You qualify for the payment if you receive any of the following:

You are required to reside in a location that has encountered seven consecutive days of temperatures at or below zero degrees. If you wish to verify if your postal code falls within an eligible area, the government offers a convenient tool.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) utilizes their own equipment to assess temperatures in every UK postcode. If you do not agree with their assessment, you have the option to directly appeal to the department.

If you reside in Scotland, you are not eligible for this program since the Scottish government has recently substituted it with Winter Heating Payments.

If you meet the requirements, you will receive these payments automatically. They should be deposited in the same bank account where you typically receive benefit payments, within 14 business days from the start of the cold period.

If you think you are qualified but have not yet received the payments, you should reach out to the DWP.

Source: independent.co.uk