DWP Cold Weather Payment that gives households £25 explained as temperatures plummet

Thousands of households could be eligible for £25 payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with temperatures expected to plummet. The Cold Weather Payment scheme, which will continue until 31 March 2025, awards payments when the average temperature in your area reaches zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

These payments are aimed at individuals on low incomes who are receiving certain benefits. Each payment is worth £25 per seven-day period of freezing weather, and multiple payments can be received over the winter if there are several periods of cold weather. Payment are made if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

The funds should automatically be deposited into your bank account within 14 working days, although in some cases, you may need to apply. You could qualify for a Cold Weather Payment if you're receiving Pension Credit, Income Support (with any of the following: disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element, or a child under five living with you), or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (with any of the following: disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element, or a child under five living with you).

If you're on Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, have a disabled child, receive Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element or have a child under five living with you, you may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment. Universal Credit recipients who are not "gainfully" self-employed, or have a health condition or a young child may also qualify.

Similarly, those receiving Support for Mortgage Interest with applicable premiums or elements can benefit, reports the Mirror.

For those claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Income-related ESA, you must contact Jobcentre Plus to secure your Cold Weather Payment. By entering your postcode online once the scheme is open, you can determine if a payment is due in your area.

If you expect a payment but haven't received it, get in touch with the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. Note that while Cold Weather Payments are no longer available in Scotland, eligible individuals might instead receive an annual £50 Winter Heating Payment.