The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has extended its vital Cold Weather Payments scheme to cover ten additional postcode districts across England and Wales, as a severe cold snap continues to grip the nation.
Which Areas Are Now Eligible?
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the DWP confirmed that the following ten postcode districts have met the criteria for the £25 payment. This brings the total number of triggered areas across the UK to 451.
The newly activated postcodes are primarily in Wales and the Welsh borders:
- LL20: Llangollen, Wales
- LL21: Corwen, Wales
- LL23: Gwynedd, Wales
- SY10: Oswestry, Shropshire
- SY15: Shrewsbury and surrounding areas
- SY16: Newtown, Wales and surrounding areas
- SY17: Caersws, Wales and surrounding areas
- SY19: Llanbrynmair, Wales
- SY21: Welshpool, Wales
- SY22: Llanfechain, Wales
How the Cold Weather Payment Scheme Works
The Cold Weather Payments are a targeted form of support for people in England and Wales who receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Income Support. The scheme is designed to provide quick financial help during periods of exceptionally cold weather.
A payment of £25 is automatically triggered for an area when the local weather station is forecast to record an average temperature of zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. Residents do not need to apply; the payment is made directly into their bank account.
Payments are typically made within 14 working days of a postcode being activated, meaning eligible households in the newly listed areas could see the money arrive within days.
Government Support During the Winter Freeze
The activation comes as the Met Office has issued several amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK. Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, 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," Bell stated. He also highlighted the government's broader support, including "the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign and our Triple Lock commitment – set to increase the State Pension by up to £2,100 over this Parliament."
It is important to note that support schemes differ across the UK. While England and Wales use the temperature-triggered Cold Weather Payment system, a separate but similar scheme operates in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, residents receive an annual Winter Heating Payment regardless of specific cold spells.
Households in the affected postcodes are advised that the payment will be made automatically if they are receiving qualifying benefits. This timely intervention aims to alleviate the financial pressure of increased heating bills during the ongoing period of severe winter weather.
