The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is poised to issue payments
As the UK braces for heavy snow and freezing temperatures, financial support could well be on the way for many households. The winter season often sees a spike in expenses as thermostats are cranked up to combat the cold, leading to higher energy bills.
However, relief may be in sight for low-income households struggling with these costs. A special payment of £25 could soon be distributed to thousands of households across the country.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issues Cold Weather Payments during periods of extreme cold. These payments are activated when the average temperature in a household’s area is recorded or forecasted to be 0C or below for seven consecutive days.
According to the Met Office, snow will ‘accumulate’ from Friday evening and continue into Sunday before turning to rain in central and southern areas of England. In northern England, significant amounts of snow could fall throughout Sunday.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly warned: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales.
“Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, households must be receiving benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit. A £25 payment will be made for every period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
Households have been advised they do not need to apply for Cold Weather Payments as they’ll be paid automatically if eligible.
