As freezing temperatures return to the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of benefit claimants will be denied a vital £25 Cold Weather Payment this winter.
Which benefits are not eligible?
The DWP has published a definitive list of 14 benefits that do not qualify for the automatic payment, which is designed to help with heating costs when temperatures plummet. The ineligible benefits are:
- Attendance Allowance
- Bereavement Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Guardian's Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Maternity Allowance
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (unless income-related)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Sick Pay
- Tax Credits
- War Disablement Pension
Who can receive the payment?
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November to 31 March. A £25 payment0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
Payments are typically made within 14 working days and do not require an application. The primary benefits that do qualify include:
- Pension Credit (if not living in a care home)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (if the claimant has a health condition, limited capability for work, or a child under five)
For those on Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, eligibility also depends on having specific premiums, such as a disability or pensioner premium, or having a disabled child or a child under five living with them.
What does this mean for claimants?
This clarification means that many vulnerable individuals, including carers and those with disabilities receiving benefits like PIP or Carer's Allowance, will not receive this specific financial support during the coldest periods. It is crucial for claimants to be aware of their eligibility status as the UK faces a return of cold weather, and to seek other forms of support if necessary.
