What is a chilly climate fee and the way can I get one?
Snow fell across the UK on Monday
Temperatures within the UK are set to plummet additional after snow blanketed elements of the nation on Monday, triggering an amber health alert by the UK Health Security Agency.
Dr Agostinho Sousa from UKHSA mentioned it was necessary to verify on these “most vulnerable to the cold” within the coming week.
A yellow warning for ice and “temperatures near zero” has been issued by the Met Office masking southern England and south Wales.
The UK’s freezing weather means some households are eligible for chilly climate funds.
But what are they and who can obtain one?
Here the PA news company solutions key questions on them.
What is a chilly climate fee?
Cold climate funds are made to susceptible people, together with pensioners, in England and Wales to assist them pay for heating when the temperature dips under freezing.
Cold climate funds go to these dwelling in an space the place the typical temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or under for seven consecutive days.
What areas have been triggered?
But, DWP mentioned on Tuesday that no chilly climate funds have but been triggered in 2024 regardless of the temperature warnings.
How can I verify if my space is eligible?
People can go to coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk on-line to verify.
Those eligible for chilly climate funds must be dwelling in a spot the place the typical temperature or forecast is 0°C or under over seven consecutive days.
You could get chilly climate funds for those who’re receiving:
– income-based jobseeker’s allowance
– income-related employment and assist allowance
– assist for mortgage curiosity
People get £25 for every seven-day interval of very chilly climate between November 1 and March 31 annually.
How are you able to get a chilly climate fee?
Those eligible don’t want to use; it will likely be paid mechanically.
The financial institution top-up shall be in eligible individuals’s financial institution accounts inside 14 days of the set off.
Does this have an effect on my advantages?
Cold climate funds don’t have an effect on different benefits.
What if I’m in hospital?
Those in hospital ought to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus as this might have an effect on their fee.
What if I stay in Scotland?
Scots can’t get the fee.
In Scotland, individuals on advantages or low incomes could qualify for an annual £50 winter heating fee, although that is made regardless of chilly temperatures.
What if I don’t obtain my fee?
People are suggested to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Those getting common credit score ought to sign up to their account and add a word to the journal.
How do I problem a chilly climate fee resolution?
According to charity Turn2us, the DWP’s resolution on an individual’s fee declare could be challenged.
If the choice stands, individuals can enchantment to an impartial tribunal.
The cut-off dates are strict, with a one-month window to dispute a call.
What different funds can I get?
People born earlier than September 26 1956 who’re eligible might get between £250 and £600 to assist pay their heating payments.
There can also be the nice and cozy dwelling low cost scheme, during which individuals get £150 off their electrical energy invoice over the winter.
A spokesman mentioned: “These additional payments provide support every year to help people experiencing the coldest weather.
“Cold weather payments can be triggered right through to the end of March, giving people facing disproportionately cold weather that extra reassurance over the chillier months.”