DWP handing out free 'assistance' payments with four million eligible

Four million people could be handed free Cold Weather Payments from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) amid the UK snow storm and snap. The cold weather payment is a grant paid by the Government to older people and those on certain benefits in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to help pay for heating costs when temperatures hit zero or below in your area.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: "Temperatures have plummeted in recent weeks and the government has started issuing £25 Cold Weather Payments to those eligible and living in the coldest areas. 6,000 households have already received payments, with nearly four million people eligible for the assistance this winter."

He added: "Cold Weather Payments help many vulnerable households to keep the heating on when they might not be able to afford it. The payments go to the most vulnerable people in postcodes where the mercury has plunged to zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

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"Nearly £30 million was paid out in 2023-24 and higher bills this winter mean the payments are more important than ever. If you're entitled to the payments, you will receive them automatically to your bank account within 14 days of the temperature limit being triggered.

"You'll get them if you're an older person receiving Pension Credit, or if a member of your household is disabled and you get Universal Credit or an income-based benefit. You can check if your postcode is eligible on the Cold Weather Payments page on GOV.UK. With temperatures dropping rapidly, it's important to track your energy usage and change your habits in a safe and manageable way while keeping warm."

If you're eligible, you should receive £25 in your bank account automatically within 14 working days. The first Cold Weather Payments have been triggered for 2024/25. An estimated 10,000 people across 18 postcodes (12 postcodes in Cumbria, four in Northumberland, and two in the Scottish Borders that cross into England, will receive the £25 payment.