The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has triggered the first Cold Weather Payments of the winter for people living in 18 postcode districts in the North of England
The DWP has activated the first Cold Weather Payments of the season for residents across 18 postcode districts in England.
Qualifying households in these areas, all situated in the northern regions, will pocket an additional £25 to help cover heating costs during the current cold spell. The newly triggered payments span 18 postcode zones, reaching approximately 6,000 households across the North of England, including sections of Cumbria, Northumberland and the Scottish borders.
Pensions Minister Torsten Bell commented: “As temperatures plunge, Cold Weather Payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households. Combined with 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 – we’re ensuring pensioners get the support they need this Winter.”
The complete list of newly eligible postcodes receiving payments triggered today appears below.
Cumbria and Northumberland:
- CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria
- CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria
- CA12 Keswick, Cumbria
- CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria
- CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
- LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria
- LA21 Coniston, Cumbria
- LA22 Lakes, Cumbria
- LA23 Windermere, Cumbria
- LA8 Kendal, Cumbria
- LA9 Kendal, Cumbria
- CA9 Alston, Cumbria
- NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland
- NE47 Allendale, Northumberland
- NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland
- NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland
Scottish Borders:
- DG14 Dumfries Border (parts in England)
- TD9 Scottish Borders (parts in England)
Cold Weather Payments are distributed to people in England and Wales who qualify for various benefits, reports the Mirror. Northern Ireland operates a comparable scheme under similar criteria, whilst Scotland provides heating bill support each winter regardless of specific cold weather periods.
In England and Wales, a payment is activated whenever an area is predicted to experience average temperatures below zero for seven consecutive days. As we approach the New Year, forecasters are anticipating a cold snap with subzero temperatures expected in many regions.
Under the DWP scheme, approximately 3.9 million people qualify for Cold Weather Payments, with 1.2 million of these being Pension Credit recipients.
The DWP outlines that those claiming certain benefits may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment; these include Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, and Support for Mortgage Interest.
However, not everyone on these benefits will automatically receive a Cold Weather Payment. A variety of factors will determine whether a payment will be made, and full details of eligibility can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Payments of £25 are deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts within 14 working days, appearing with a payment reference that includes the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP CWP’. There’s no need to apply for this payment.
