The payments are triggered when the average temperature is, or is forecast to be, zero degrees centigrade or below over seven consecutive days.
More households in Northern Ireland are set to receive £25 Cold Weather Payments after the DWP announced details of nearly 250 UK-wide postcode areas which will be eligible.
Northern IrelandREAD MORE: Further NI weather warning issued amid Storm Goretti hitting UKREAD MORE: How to check if you’re eligible for NI cold weather payments as cold snap continues
They are paid if you are in receipt of certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, with the eligible period running from November 1 to March 31 each year. The payments of £25 for each seven day period during this date range are made automatically, and there is no need to make a claim.
The weather information is given to the Department for Communities by the Met Office from recordings or forecasts at seven separate weather stations in Northern Ireland, with each weather station covering a range of designated postcode areas.
These weather stations are located at Aldergrove, Castlederg, Glenanne, Katesbridge, Magilligan, Stormont Castle and Thomastown.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says those claiming the following benefits may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment; Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest.
Not all those receiving these benefits will automatically receive a Cold Weather Payment. There are a number of factors which will determine whether a payment will be made and full details of those eligible are available here.
The full list of new postcodes to receive the payments is:
Northern Ireland – Katesbridge weather station
- BT24 Ballynahinch
- BT25 Dromore
- BT26 Hillsborough
- BT30 Downpatrick
- BT31 Castlewellan
- BT32 Banbridge
- BT33 Newcastle
- BT34 Newry (Co Down)
It comes as the Met Office has issued a further weather warnings across Northern Ireland ahead of the weekend.
A yellow warning for ice will be in effect across all counties from midnight tonight (Thursday) until 11am on Friday, January 9.
The forecaster said: “Clearing skies and scattered wintry showers bringing icy patches and some disruption. A scattering of showers around the coast this evening and overnight to give an ice risk, especially on untreated surfaces.
“Showers will turn to sleet or snow at times, perhaps giving a fresh dusting of snow in a few places.”
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