Thousands of Brits to get cold weather payments to their bank accounts next week

The cost-of-living is continually hiking the price of bills, and with these winter months comes the dreaded gas and electricity bills.

But, if you live in England, you might be entitled to getting a little bit of cash to help you out during these colder months.

As part of the DWP payments from the Department for Work and Pensions, ten thousand British households will soon be able to receive financial help with heating their homes.

Designed for people on low incomes to offset the cost of their energy bills, this incentive allows people to afford to keep warm when the temperature drops.

But it’s not for everyone (sorry Scotland).

Even though you don’t have to apply for the payment of £25 for each 7-day period of freezing temps between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024, you do need to meet the requirements.

If you do, you can expect to receive the cash within 14 working days.

So, if you meet the criteria and your area has faced temperatures of zero degrees or below over a seven-day period, you might be due one or multiple payouts if the cold weather continues beyond the seven days.

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Those who will be eligible for the payments for the period 12 January - 18 January this year live in these postcode areas:

· Cliburn, Cumbria CA10

· Catterlen, Cumbria CA11

· Keswick, Cumbria CA12

· Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16

· Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17

· Kendal, Cumbria LA8

· Kendal, Cumbria LA9

· Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10

· Coniston, Cumbria LA21

· Lakes, Cumbria LA22

· Windermere, Cumbria LA23

· Alston, Cumbria CA9

· Burnhope, County Durham DH8

· Elsdon, Northumberland NE19

· Allendale, Northumberland NE47

· Bellingham, Northumberland NE48

· Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49

· Dumfries border (parts in England) DG14

· Scottish Borders (parts in England) TD9

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So, will you receive the payment?

Sure! If you have any of the following, you’ll be able to receive the DWP payment:

· Pension Credit

· Universal Credit

· Income Support

· Income-based jobseeker’s allowance

· Income-related employment and support allowance

· Support for mortgage interest

However, you might also need to meet the additional criteria too:

· Have a disability or be in receipt of pension premium

· Have a child who is disabled

· Be in receipt of child tax credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

· Have a severe or enhanced disability premium

· Be in receipt of a limited capability for work amount

· Have a child under five living with you

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The government website will be able to shed some more light on the payment plan and you’ll be glad to know that it doesn’t affect any other benefits you get.

But if you think you’re eligible and don’t receive it into your account, contact your case worker, Jobcentre or pension centre to clear things up.

The government explains that hospital stays are also important to note when considering your eligibility.

It states: "Tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you go into hospital - this could affect your payment. If you’re getting Universal Credit, sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.

"If you do not have an online account, ring the Universal Credit helpline instead. The phone number is on letters about your Universal Credit."

A little bit of help goes a long way during the cold weather so be sure to check if you're able to get it, which you can do so here.

Topics: Cost of Living, Money, UK News, Weather

Britt Jones