Millions of DWP claimants may be eligible for extra payments (Image: Getty)
DWP benefit claimants have been reminded about an extra payments scheme. People on benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit may be eligible for the payments.
The Cold Weather Payments scheme is still running, with the DWP issuing £25 payments depending on the weather conditions in your area. The payments are triggered in a particular geographical area when temperatures fall below zero, or are forecast to be below zero, across seven or more consecutive days.
You may think the scheme has come to an end given the milder weather the UK has enjoyed recently, but it is still up and running for another week or so. There have also been weather forecasts for below-freezing weather over the coming days.
People on these six benefits in England and Wales may qualify for the payment into their bank account if it’s triggered in your area:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest.
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People may have forgotten
Angus Struthers, managing director of boiler installation group BOXT, said: “It’s not snow, wind or blizzards that activate the payment, but sustained freezing conditions over time. After a milder spell, it’s understandable that Cold Weather Payments may not be front of mind for most people.
“However, the scheme runs until the end of March, and with UK weather often unpredictable at this time of year, further cold snaps are still possible.”
The DWP scheme runs from November 1 to March 31. You can check if a Cold Weather Payment has been triggered in your area through the Government website. If a payment is triggered in your area, this should arrive within 14 working days.
The amount will be paid into the same bank or building society account where your benefits are paid. In Scotland, the scheme has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment.
This is a one-off payment of £59.75 that goes out regardless of the weather. Payments are issued between December and the end of February.
A simple change to cut your energy bills
Mr Struthers shared some tips about how to keep your heating bills down. He said: “With ongoing pressure on household finances, improving heating efficiency remains one of the quickest ways to reduce monthly outgoings. At BOXT, we regularly see how small inefficiencies in the home can quickly add up, particularly during colder periods.
“One of the most common and overlooked issues is thermostat placement. BOXT’s data shows that 42 per cent of households have theirs positioned incorrectly, which can cause boilers to run longer than needed and waste up to 10 per cent more energy, potentially adding around £100 a year to heating costs.”
He suggested some simple steps you can try to cut your bills is to position your thermostat on an interior wall in a main living space, adjust it down slightly, and to only heat the rooms you are using.
The expert shared some other tips: “Making the most of natural heat, ensuring radiators are working efficiently, and using smart controls can further minimise wasted energy. Regular boiler servicing is also key to maintaining efficiency, preventing breakdowns, and avoiding unnecessary costs over time.
“Taking a few minutes to review your heating set-up now can help avoid higher bills later in the year.”
