A cold-looking man and woman walk along a snow-covered path beside a hedge in a blizzard. They are wearing winter coats and carrying groceries including toilet roll.Image source, Reuters
  • Published9 February 2021
Updated 43 minutes ago

As temperatures drop, heating costs rise, but there is some help for many households through cold weather payments.

This financial help is triggered across hundreds of postcodes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when there is 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 cold it gets.

What are cold weather payments?