As cold and icy conditions continue in Northern Ireland, many households across the region may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment without realising.
Subzero temperatures are currently being experienced here, and with the rising cost of living, it means many households are unfortunately having to choose between heating and eating.
A yellow weather warning for ice is currently in place, with further spells of wintry conditions expected as we head into next week.
Read more: Belfast road blocked after three vehicle crash as PSNI issue warning to drivers
But if you are getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment to help as the icy conditions continue.
The Cold Weather payment scheme opened on November 1, 2022. Those eligible for the scheme will get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
You'll get £25 for each seven day period of cold weather between November 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you're receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.
Those eligible for the scheme will receive the payment in the same way other benefits are usually received. You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible to get a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid it automatically.
The Cold Weather payment checker will help you see if you are entitled to a payment in your area, click here for more information.
On Friday, the Department for Communities has announced that Cold Weather Payments will be paid to people who qualify for the funding in postcode areas covered by the Met Office’s Katesbridge weather station.
The postcode areas affected are BT24, BT25, BT26 and BT30, BT31, BT32, BT33 and BT34. Only those qualifying customers living in these postcode areas will receive the £25 payment.
Payments will be made automatically and there is no need to make a claim. Customers can expect to receive their payment by Wednesday, December 14.
The Cold Weather Payment trigger was reached at Katesbridge weather station based on a forecast of the temperature over the seven day period from December 6-12.
Cold Weather payments are in addition to the Winter Fuel payments, made to people born on or before 25 September 1956.
READ NEXT:
Scarlet fever warning after clusters of outbreaks in NI schools and nurseries
Norman Moffatt murder: PSNI apologise over investigation "shortcomings"
Eamonn Holmes gives thanks for "huge outpouring of affection" after recent hard times
Northern Ireland weather: Forecast for week ahead as snow expected in NI
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
