Snow fell across the UK on Monday
Temperatures within the UK are set to plummet additional after snow blanketed components of the nation on Monday, triggering an amber well being alert by the UK Well being Safety Company.
Dr Agostinho Sousa from UKHSA stated it was necessary to examine on these “most susceptible to the chilly” within the coming week.
A yellow warning for ice and “temperatures close to zero” has been issued by the Met Workplace protecting southern England and south Wales.
The UK’s freezing climate means some households are eligible for chilly climate funds.
However what are they and who can obtain one?
Right here the PA information company solutions key questions on them.
What’s a chilly climate fee?
Chilly climate funds are made to susceptible folks, together with pensioners, in England and Wales to assist them pay for heating when the temperature dips beneath freezing.
Chilly climate funds go to these dwelling in an space the place the typical temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or beneath for seven consecutive days.
What areas have been triggered?
However, DWP stated on Tuesday that no chilly climate funds have but been triggered in 2024 regardless of the temperature warnings.
How can I examine if my space is eligible?
Folks can go to coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk on-line to examine.
These eligible for chilly climate funds have to be dwelling in a spot the place the typical temperature or forecast is 0°C or beneath over seven consecutive days.
It’s possible you’ll get chilly climate funds in case you’re receiving:
– income-based jobseeker’s allowance
– income-related employment and assist allowance
– assist for mortgage curiosity
Folks get £25 for every seven-day interval of very chilly climate between November 1 and March 31 every year.
How are you going to get a chilly climate fee?
These eligible don’t want to use; will probably be paid routinely.
The financial institution top-up shall be in eligible folks’s financial institution accounts inside 14 days of the set off.
Does this have an effect on my advantages?
Chilly climate funds don’t have an effect on different advantages.
What if I’m in hospital?
These in hospital ought to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus as this might have an effect on their fee.
What if I dwell in Scotland?
Scots can not get the fee.
In Scotland, folks on advantages or low incomes could qualify for an annual £50 winter heating fee, although that is made no matter chilly temperatures.
What if I don’t obtain my fee?
Persons are suggested to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
These getting common credit score ought to register to their account and add a notice to the journal.
How do I problem a chilly climate fee choice?
In response to charity Turn2us, the DWP’s choice on an individual’s fee declare could be challenged.
If the choice stands, folks can enchantment to an unbiased tribunal.
The deadlines are strict, with a one-month window to dispute a call.
What different funds can I get?
Folks born earlier than September 26 1956 who’re eligible may get between £250 and £600 to assist pay their heating payments.
There’s additionally the nice and cozy house low cost scheme, by which folks get £150 off their electrical energy invoice over the winter.
A spokesman stated: “These extra funds present assist yearly to assist folks experiencing the coldest climate.
“Chilly climate funds could be triggered proper by way of to the top of March, giving folks dealing with disproportionately chilly climate that further reassurance over the chillier months.”
