Cold weather payments have been activated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in additional 10 postcodes in England and Wales recently, bringing the total number of eligible areas to 451, each qualifying for the £25 payouts.
This development coincides with a cold spell impacting the UK, prompting the issuance of several amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the country.
The Cold Weather Payments scheme benefits individuals in England and Wales who receive various benefits. In Northern Ireland, a similar scheme operates, while in Scotland, support for heating bills is provided annually without being tied to specific cold periods. In England and Wales, payments are triggered when an area is forecasted to experience average temperatures below zero for seven consecutive days.
The DWP has officially announced the activation of 10 additional postcodes on January 3. If you reside in one of the affected regions, you may expect to receive the £25 payment in your bank account within a few days. Eligible recipients automatically receive the payment without needing to submit an application.
Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, emphasized the importance of Cold Weather Payments in providing direct support to vulnerable households during temperature drops. He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase Pension Credit uptake and the commitment to the Triple Lock policy, aimed at boosting the State Pension by up to £2,100 throughout the current Parliament.