The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has significantly expanded its Cold Weather Payments scheme, adding 74 new postcode areas to the list of eligible locations. This brings the total number of qualifying postcodes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to 802.
Automatic Support for Vulnerable Households
Over one million households are set to receive a £25 payment today following a recent spell of freezing temperatures. The payments are triggered automatically for eligible residents when the average temperature in their local area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Torsten Bell, the Minister for Pensions, emphasised the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable people during the winter months. "As temperatures plunge, Cold Weather Payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households," he stated. He linked this support to broader government efforts, including the Pension Credit take-up campaign and the Triple Lock commitment for the State Pension.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
To receive the Cold Weather Payment, you must be claiming one of several qualifying benefits. The eligibility criteria are specific, and not all benefit recipients will qualify. The key qualifying benefits include:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Payments are made directly into the same bank account used for benefit claims, with the reference 'DWP CWP'. The DWP aims to process payments within 14 working days after each qualifying cold weather period.
Trigger Dates and Geographic Coverage
The scheme, which runs annually from 1 November to 31 March, has seen payments triggered on multiple days this winter due to sustained cold snaps. The key trigger dates so far have been December 30, and January 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The newly added postcodes join a wide list of areas that have qualified. It is important to note that while some affected areas cover parts of Scotland, residents there will not receive the DWP Cold Weather Payment. The Scottish Government operates its own separate system, providing an annual Winter Heating Payment instead of the temperature-triggered scheme.
With winter ongoing, the DWP has confirmed that more than one payment can be made if an area experiences further qualifying seven-day periods of freezing temperatures. Eligible households are advised to monitor the official government announcements for updates on their postcode.
