The DWP is sending out Cold Weather Payments for postcodes across the country as snow, ice and freezing temperatures mean many will have extra heating bills.
The UK has recorded its coldest January night in 15 years as more freezing temperatures are expected to roll in over the coming days. Weather warnings for ice were in place across most of Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as large parts of the east of England, until 10am this morning.
Last night saw the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010 – which was a month that saw temperatures drop below minus 15C several times.
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What are DWP Cold Weather Payments?
Cold Weather Payments are a government scheme to help people with their heating bills when temperatures drop to zero.
It is a £25 grant paid out to eligible households whenever the average temperature in the area drops to freezing or below for seven consecutive days.
This is triggered if zero temperatures are either forecast or recorded between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
The money will appear in bank statements within 14 days of each seven-day period of very cold weather.
How are DWP Cold Weather Payments decided?
It's organised by postcodes, so pays out more regularly in the coldest areas, but often helps households all over the country during the chilliest winter periods.
It only runs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There's a checker here for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The full list of new postcodes where DWP Cold Weather Payments were triggered for January 2 to 9:
- DG14
- TD9
- CA9
- NE19
- NE47
- NE48
- NE49
- CA10
- CA11
- CA12
- CA16
- CA17
- LA8
- LA9
- LA10
- LA21
- LA22
- LA23
In Scotland, there's a one-off Winter Heating Payment of nearly £60.
The Cold Weather Payment is in addition to the Household Support Fund, Winter Fuel Payments and Warm Home Discount scheme.
Full details of the Cold Weather Payment scheme can be seen on the Gov.uk website.
The DWP says those claiming the following benefits may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment; Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest.
When and how are payments made?
Payments are typically made within 14 working days of your postcode being activated.
The cash is paid directly into the same bank or building society account where you receive your benefits.
Tell the DWP if you don't receive a payment and think you should have.
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