UPDATE: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced that 673,000 vulnerable individuals will receive cold weather payments totaling £16.8 million in England and Wales. This urgent support comes as temperatures plunge, triggering the first disbursements of the 2025/26 winter season.
Residents in areas that recorded temperatures at or below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days will automatically qualify for these payments. Each eligible person will receive £25, with payments expected to be processed within 14 days of the announcement.
The cold weather payment scheme runs annually from November 1 to March 31. This year, the payments were activated for the first time due to the significant drop in temperatures, with 17 weather stations across England and Wales meeting the necessary criteria as of the week ending January 2, 2025. Notable locations include Bingley in West Yorkshire, which alone accounted for 105,000 payments, and Rothamsted in Hertfordshire, contributing 73,000 payments.
The DWP aims to assist those most affected by the cold, including older residents on pension credit and universal credit claimants facing financial hardship. A total of 4.4 million people across England and Wales are eligible for these payments this winter, with 1.2 million recipients receiving pension credit.
This financial aid is crucial for many, as it provides immediate relief during harsh winter conditions. Residents should keep an eye on their bank accounts, as the DWP assures that payments will be processed efficiently.
For the latest updates on cold weather payments and essential consumer news, stay connected to trusted sources. Share this information to help those who may benefit from this urgent support.
