Cold weather payments have been triggered for the start of 2025.
Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the money when there is a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.
In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a separate winter heating payment, which does not depend on how low the temperature falls.
The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills, external.
The average temperature in a local area must be zero degrees Celsius or less for seven days in a row, or be forecast to be below freezing for seven consecutive days.
As of 3 January, payments have been triggered in dozens of postcode areas in Cumbria, Northumberland and parts of England in the Scottish Borders.
The temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.
England and Wales: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility, external
Northern Ireland: Enter your postcode here to check eligibility, external
Check the UK weather warnings in place
To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving certain benefits, including:, external
Income Support
income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support for Mortgage Interest
Each cold weather payment is for a seven-day period and is worth £25.
More than one payment will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather.
The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Hospital stays can affect payments.
You should also tell Jobcentre Plus, external if you have a baby or if a child under five comes to live with you.
In Scotland, the winter heating payment is worth £58.75, external, and will be paid to those who are eligible from December 2024.
What does an unheated room do to your body?
How to keep warm during cold weather and other winter tips
You do not have to do anything in order to get cold weather payments.
The money should be paid automatically into the same bank or building society account as your benefits, within two weeks of the qualifying period of cold weather.
If you do not receive a payment, you can contact the Pension Service, external or Jobcentre Plus, external.
Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
They are separate to the winter fuel payment, which is worth £200 or £300 depending on your individual circumstances.
The rules on this have changed, and 2024 payments will only go to .
How does the energy price cap work?
What can I do if I can’t pay my energy bill?
How to keep warm when budgets are squeezed
How to look after pets during the cold spell
How to drive in snow and icy weather
How do cold health alerts work?
Source: www.bbc.co.uk