Cold weather payments have been activated by the DWP in 10 additional postcodes in England and Wales this weekend, bringing the total number of eligible areas to 451, entitling recipients to receive £25 payouts.
This move coincides with a cold spell gripping the UK, prompting the issuance of several amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the country.
Cold Weather Payments are disbursed to individuals in England and Wales who receive various benefits. While a similar scheme operates in Northern Ireland, in Scotland, support for heating bills is provided annually and is not dependent on specific cold weather periods. In England and Wales, a payment is triggered when an area is forecasted to experience average temperatures below zero for seven consecutive days.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced the activation of 10 additional postcodes on January 3. Residents in these affected areas may expect to receive the £25 payment in their bank accounts within days, typically within 14 working days of the postcode activation. Eligible recipients do not need to apply for the payment as it is automatically processed.
Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, highlighted the importance of Cold Weather Payments in providing direct support to vulnerable households as temperatures drop. He emphasized the government’s efforts, including the Pension Credit take-up campaign and the commitment to increasing State Pension by up to £2,100 over the current Parliament, to ensure that pensioners receive the necessary support during the winter season.