Cold Weather Payments have been triggered for a second time in 18 postcode areas across the UK, following a week of sub-zero temperatures and snowfall. Each payment is worth £25, meaning eligible households will receive a total of £50.
These payments are made automatically to those receiving certain benefits or mortgage support when the average temperature in their area falls to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. The 18 areas qualified on both December 30 and January 6, triggering two separate payments.
To be eligible, claimants must be in receipt of income support, universal credit, pension credit, or similar benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issues the money automatically within 14 working days of the trigger period. However, new parents or those with a child under five arriving in the household must apply separately.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs until March 31, 2026. In Scotland, this scheme has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which provides a flat rate of £59.75.
