What are chilly climate funds and who can get them? | EUROtoday

Cold climate funds have been triggered throughout 697 postcodes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as temperatures plunged throughout the UK.

Households on sure advantages are entitled to the cash when there’s a extended interval of below-zero temperatures.

In Scotland, these on low incomes and advantages could obtain a separate winter heating fee, which doesn’t depend upon how chilly it will get.

The chilly climate fee is a authorities profit top-up to assist with gas payments.

The common temperature in an area space should be recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or beneath for seven days in a row.

The temperature is recorded by the related climate station on your postcode.

More than 1.4 million chilly climate funds value £35m have been made throughout winter 2024-25. Of this, greater than £9m was issued to these in receipt of pension credit score.

To qualify, you should reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Payments aren’t age-related however you should already be receiving sure advantages, together with:

• pension credit score
• earnings assist
• income-based job seekers’ allowance
• income-related employment and assist allowance
• common credit score – though there are specific exceptions
• assist for mortgage curiosity

Each chilly climate fee is for a seven-day interval and is value £25.

More than one fee will likely be made in the course of the course of the winter if there are sufficient intervals of chilly climate.

The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March every year.

You shouldn’t have to do something with a view to obtain chilly climate funds.

The cash ought to be paid robotically into the identical financial institution or constructing society account as your advantages, inside two weeks of the qualifying interval of chilly climate.

If you don’t obtain a fee, you possibly can contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.

Cold climate funds don’t have an effect on different advantages.

They are separate to the winter gas fee, which is value £100 or £300 relying in your particular person circumstances.

About 9 million pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/2026, after a authorities U-turn over adjustments to the eligibility guidelines.