What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
The first cold weather payments have been triggered for winter 2024.
Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the payout after a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.
In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a separate winter heating payment, which does not depend on how low the temperature falls.
What are cold weather payments and when are they triggered?
The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills, external.
The average temperature in a local area must be zero degrees Celsius – or less – for seven days in a row, or be forecast to be below freezing for seven consecutive days.
As at 19 November, the first payments had been triggered in 12 postcode areas in Cumbria, four in Northumberland, and two postcodes in the Scottish Borders which also cover part of England. Only eligible people who live in the English part of the postcode are entitled to a payment.
The temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.