Lifestyle

The UK weather is feeling cold and wet.

And when temperatures drop, some Brits would be tempted to switch the heating on too early. So if you're conscious of your bills, luckily there's government support.

Struggling households across the country could receive £25 a week to help during autumn. Known as Cold Weather Payments, it could benefit many adults.

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But it's worth noting only specific type of benefits, including Pension Credit, qualify for the money. The temperature must hit zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

The scheme is designed to help those struggling to heat their home and stay warm this winter. People generally use more energy when the temperature dips.

You might be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you receive one of the following benefits and meet the criteria too:

  • Pension credit
  • Income support
  • Income-based jobseeker's allowance
  • Income-related employment and support allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for mortgage interest

You may also need to meet one or more of these additional criteria:

  • Have a disability or be in receipt of pension premium
  • Have a child who is disabled
  • Be in receipt of child tax credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
  • Have a severe or enhanced disability premium
  • Be in receipt of a limited capability for work amount
  • Have a child under five living with you

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Universal Credit claimants are eligible if they have a disabled child amount in their claim. Getting the Cold Weather Payment doesn't impact any other benefits you receive.

If you are in line for a payment, you should receive it automatically within 14 days. It would be paid into the same account where you get your benefits.

You can check if your area has a Cold Weather Payments by putting your postcode into the government's tool on the GOV.UK website.

The payments aren't available in Scotland anymore as the scheme has been replaced. But it's worth checking to see what you could receive as an alternative.

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