Freezing conditions trigger cold weather payments: See areas eligible for cash payout

The payment is made to eligible people when the weather reaches a certain low level
Undated file photo of a person using a central heating thermostat.Undated file photo of a person using a central heating thermostat.
Undated file photo of a person using a central heating thermostat.

The recent freezing conditions across the country have prompted the government to trigger Cold Weather Payments. The £25 cash sums have been sent to eligible people across 300 postcode areas.

Temperatures across many areas of the country have dropped below zero overnight, with the temperature dropping to as low as -9C in some places. To qualify for the payments, an area need to be consistently cold for at least a week.

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The UK government provides information on the payment and how it will be received. Also outlined are the conditions needed for the payment to be made. The website reads: “You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

“You’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.”

If you don’t receive the payment but feel you are eligible, tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. 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 claim.

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For people in Scotland, the  payouts work differently.. The Cold Weather Payment isn’t available, but residents may be eligible to get a Winter Payment. The payment provides a reliable, annual £50 payment, automatically through Social Security Scotland, to anyone who qualifies.

How to check if you are eligible for the cold weather payment

You can check your eligibility for the cold weather payment by visiting the UK government website. All you need is your postcode.

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