DWP Cold Weather Payments triggered as UK braces for snow
The initial Cold Weather Payments of the winter season have been activated for 18 areas in England.
The DWP program is now in effect and will continue until March 31, 2025. It covers areas with postcodes CA9-12 and CA16-17 in Carlisle, as well as NE19 and NE47-49 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The £25 payments are activated when the temperature in qualifying regions falls to zero degrees Celsius or lower for a week straight.
The program offers essential assistance to at-risk families during times of prolonged cold temperatures.
Even though there were updates to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility in September, many individuals still have the opportunity to receive financial aid to help them keep their homes warm during the chilly months.
Residents who qualify can anticipate receiving the £25 payment directly into their bank accounts within the next two weeks.
The Cold Weather Payment Program operates annually from November 1 to March 31.
Homeowners can find out if they're eligible for a payment in their area by going to the official DWP site at coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk.
Weather experts have released multiple alerts for snow and ice, as nighttime winter weather has led to significant disruption.
The Met Office has released three yellow weather warnings for snow and ice affecting the Midlands, northern England, sections of Northern Ireland, and northeast Wales.
During the winter, it's possible to receive several payments if there are multiple instances of cold weather.
During the previous winter, almost 500 postcodes were granted payments of up to £75, and the year prior, more than 250 postcodes received comparable sums.
The program is available throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland has its own Winter Heating Payment program.
This payment represents the first round of Cold Weather Payments for this winter, and more regions might qualify as the temperatures keep falling.
Here’s the complete list of the initial 18 postcodes that qualify for a one-time cold weather payment of £25:
There is no cap on how many payments families can get throughout the winter season.
It is projected that approximately 10,000 individuals will be granted the payment.
Twelve postcode regions in Cumbria, including the Lakes, Kendal, and Coniston, will receive a payment following recorded freezing temperatures at the Shap weather station. This payment was activated on November 18.
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, individuals must be receiving certain benefits.
Payments will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of qualified recipients within 14 business days after their postcode is activated. The funds will go into the same bank or building society account where they usually receive their benefits.
Eligible individuals won’t have to apply for the payment since the process is automated for those who meet the criteria.
If you think you were supposed to get a payment but didn’t, reach out to the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus for assistance.
Residents can confirm their eligibility and see if payments have been activated in their area by going to the official government website at coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk.
