Cold weather payments could be available to some residents if the freezing weather continues.

Money is available if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.

Eligible people will get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.

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The Abbots Langley and Bedmond Liberal Democrat councillor Sara Bedford encouraged people to claim the money.

She said: “Thousands of local households are eligible for this money.

“It is in addition to any support with energy bills.

“If you do not receive the money, please let the pension service or Job Centre Plus know.

Watford Observer: Councillor Sara BedfordCouncillor Sara Bedford

“This money is an entitlement to help keep the heating on, not charity, so please make sure you claim it.”

Cllr Bedford added that the money should be paid automatically but claims may need to be made separately for people who have recently had a baby.  

You may eligible for the payments if you are getting:

  • Pension credit
  • Income support
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • Income-related employment and support allowance
  • Universal credit
  • Support for mortgage interest

According to the Press Association, payments have been triggered in a number of areas including parts of Oxfordshire and Nottingham.

For more information on how to claim a payment, visit https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment/how-to-claim. 

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