People on several DWP benefits may qualify for the scheme
Millions of DWP claimants may be eligible for extra payments(Image: Getty)
DWP benefit recipients have been issued a reminder about an extra payments scheme. People receiving benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit may be entitled to these payments.
The Cold Weather Payments scheme remains active, with the DWP providing £25 payments based on weather conditions in your location. The payments are activated in a specific geographical area when temperatures drop below zero, or are forecast to remain below zero, for seven or more consecutive days.
Claimants may think the scheme has come to an end, in light of the milder weather we have been enjoying recently. But the payment scheme is still up and running for another week or so. Plus the weather forecast suggests parts of the UK could be hit by below-freezing weather over the coming days.
People claiming these six benefits in England and Wales may qualify for the payment into their bank account if it’s activated 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.
Claimants 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 operates from November 1 to March 31.
You can find out if a Cold Weather Payment has been activated in your area through the Government website. If a payment is activated in your area, this should be paid out within 14 working days.
The sum will be deposited into the same bank or building society account where your benefits are received. In Scotland, this scheme has been superseded by the Winter Heating Payment.
This is a one-time payment of £59.75 that is issued regardless of weather conditions. Payments are made between December and the end of February.
Save £100 in heating bills
Mr Struthers offered some advice on how to minimise heating bills. He stated: “With ongoing pressure on household finances, enhancing heating efficiency remains one of the quickest ways to decrease monthly expenses. At BOXT, we regularly observe how minor inefficiencies in the home can quickly accumulate, especially during colder periods.
“One of the most frequent and overlooked issues is thermostat placement. BOXT’s data shows that 42 per cent of households have their thermostats positioned incorrectly, which can cause boilers to operate longer than necessary and waste up to 10 per cent more energy, potentially adding around £100 annually to heating costs.”
He suggested a few simple steps to lower your bills, such as positioning your thermostat on an interior wall in a main living area, slightly lowering the temperature it is set at, and only heating the rooms you are using.
The expert offered some other practical 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.”