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 health alert by the UK Well being Safety Company.
Dr Agostinho Sousa from UKHSA mentioned it was essential to verify 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 Office masking southern England and south Wales.
The UK’s freezing weather 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 people, 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 common temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or beneath for seven consecutive days.
What areas have been triggered?
However, DWP mentioned on Tuesday that no chilly climate funds have but been triggered in 2024 regardless of the temperature warnings.
How can I verify if my space is eligible?
Folks can go to coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk on-line to verify.
These eligible for chilly climate funds have to be dwelling in a spot the place the common temperature or forecast is 0°C or beneath over seven consecutive days.
You might get chilly climate funds when 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 will you get a chilly climate fee?
These eligible don’t want to use; will probably be paid robotically.
The financial institution top-up shall be in eligible individuals’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 benefits.
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, individuals on advantages or low incomes could qualify for an annual £50 winter heating fee, although that is made regardless of chilly temperatures.
What if I don’t obtain my fee?
Individuals are suggested to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
These getting common credit score ought to sign up to their account and add a be aware to the journal.
How do I problem a chilly climate fee determination?
In accordance with charity Turn2us, the DWP’s determination on an individual’s fee declare could be challenged.
If the choice stands, individuals can enchantment to an unbiased tribunal.
The deadlines are strict, with a one-month window to dispute a choice.
What different funds can I get?
Folks born earlier than September 26 1956 who’re eligible might get between £250 and £600 to assist pay their heating payments.
There may be additionally the nice and cozy dwelling low cost scheme, by which individuals get £150 off their electrical energy invoice over the winter.
A spokesman mentioned: “These further funds present assist yearly to assist individuals experiencing the coldest climate.
“Chilly climate funds could be triggered proper by means of to the tip of March, giving individuals dealing with disproportionately chilly climate that additional reassurance over the chillier months.”