Exact temperature Cold Weather Payments triggered - £25 extra each week

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Brits could be eligible for a £25 cash boost as temperatures take a plunge over the next few days. The Government hands Cold Weather Payments to households in need of support when…

Brits could be eligible for a £25 cash boost as temperatures take a plunge over the next few days. The Government hands Cold Weather Payments to households in need of support when the mercury drops below freezing over the winter months, contributing towards energy costs.

To qualify, temperatures in UK regions must be recorded or forecast to remain below 0C for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31. Recipients must also be receiving certain benefits, including pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance and Universal Credit.

Those eligible will be handed the payments automatically for every seven-day period which meets the temperature criteria over the designated period. Other terms also apply, with Brits living in care homes generally not entitled to the financial boost, while those in Scotland may instead qualify for the Scottish Government's flat-rate Winter Heating Payment, worth £62.

It comes as the UK enters a colder phase of weather with temperatures expected to drop to -6C in some areas this weekend. Friday brought the first widespread frost of this autumn after the country experienced its coldest night of the season so far on Thursday, with -6.6C recorded in south Wales.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued its first yellow cold health alert of the season this week, covering the north west and West Midlands from 9am on Thursday until 12pm on Saturday. The agency said the cold weather can lead to the increased use of healthcare services and greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in publiuc health at the UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."

The Department for Work…

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