The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be set to roll out £75 payments in January, provided a strict 21-day rule is adhered to. The DWP may issue £75 in Cold Weather Payments if certain postcodes experience the required temperature drop.
Recipients will receive £25 a week for every seven days of cold weather between November and March. The 2024 to 2025 Cold Weather Payment scheme kicked off on November 1 2024.
During the previous 2023/2024 scheme, some areas experienced three separate periods of cold weather, resulting in eligible individuals receiving a £75 payment. Eligibility for the payment includes those receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.
Additionally, you must reside in an area that has seen seven days of zero or sub-zero temperatures. The DWP uses its own equipment to measure temperatures across all UK postcodes.
If you disagree with their assessment, you can appeal directly to the department. However, this scheme does not apply to residents of Scotland, as the Scottish government has recently replaced the scheme with Winter Heating Payments, reports Birmingham Live.
If you're eligible, these payments will be made automatically.
The government states that these payments should arrive in the same bank account you receive benefit payments, within 14 working days of the cold period. If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payments, you should contact the DWP.
If you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you, you should inform Jobcentre Plus if you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You will not automatically get Cold Weather Payments if you do not.
