£140 Cold Weather Payment – When Will It Be Paid?
The £140 Cold Weather Payment is a vital government scheme designed to support low-income households during periods of severe winter weather.
Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this financial aid helps individuals manage the rising costs of heating during freezing temperatures. With the scheme running from 1 November 2024 to 31 March 2025, this blog provides a comprehensive guide on who qualifies, how it works, and when payments will be made.
Additionally, we’ve included the latest updates on Cold Weather Payments, such as postcode areas where payments were triggered and detailed eligibility criteria.
What Is the £140 Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households during periods of severe cold weather. It’s part of the UK’s commitment to supporting low-income families and individuals in managing increased heating costs during freezing conditions.
Here’s how it works:
- Temperature Trigger: Payments are activated when the average temperature in your area falls to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
- Payment Amount: Eligible individuals receive £25 for each qualifying cold spell.
- Coverage Period: The scheme runs from 1 November 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Latest Cold Weather Payments
The Cold Weather Payment scheme for 2024/2025 began on 1 November 2024 and will run until 31 March 2025. Payments were recently triggered in the following postcode areas due to freezing temperatures:
| Postcode Areas | Dates of Cold Spell |
| Katesbridge (BT24 to BT26 and BT30 to BT34) | 4 January to 10 January 2025 |
| Castlederg (BT78, BT79, BT81 and BT82) | 3 January to 9 January 2025 |
| Glenanne (BT35 and BT60 to BT71) | 4 January to 10 January 2025 |
| Thomastown (BT74 to BT77 and BT92 to BT94) | 4 January to 10 January 2025 |
These payments are a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring no household is left without support during extreme weather conditions.
Who Is Eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
Eligibility for the Cold Weather Payment depends on the type of benefits you receive and your personal circumstances. The following groups may qualify:
Pension Credit Recipients:
- If you receive Pension Credit, you’ll automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments.
Income Support and Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA):
You may qualify if you receive Income Support or income-based JSA and meet any of the following criteria:
- You have a disability or pensioner premium.
- You live with a disabled child.
- You receive Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element.
- You have a child under five years old.
Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA):
Eligibility applies if you are in the support group or work-related activity group. Additionally, you may qualify if you meet one of the following:
- You receive a severe or enhanced disability premium.
- You live with a disabled child.
- You receive Child Tax Credit with a disability element.
- You have a child under five years old.
Universal Credit Recipients:
Cold Weather Payments are available to Universal Credit claimants if:
- No one on the claim is employed or self-employed, and
- One of the following applies:
- You have a health condition or disability with limited capability for work.
- You have a child under five years old living with you.
- You may also qualify if your claim includes a disabled child amount, regardless of employment status.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI):
If you receive SMI, you may qualify if you also meet one of the following conditions:
- You receive a disability or pensioner premium.
- You live with a disabled child.
- You receive Child Tax Credit with a disability element.
- You have a child under five years old.
How Does the Cold Weather Payment Work?
The scheme operates automatically, meaning there’s no need to apply. Here’s how it works:
- Payment Process: If the temperature trigger is met in your area, the DWP will issue a £25 payment for every seven-day cold spell.
- Automatic Payments: Payments are deposited into the same account where you receive your benefits.
- Timeline: Payments are typically made within 14 working days of a qualifying cold spell.
When Will the £140 Cold Weather Payment Be Paid?
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs annually from 1 November to 31 March, aligning with the coldest months of the year when households need the most support.
Payments are triggered after a period of seven consecutive days where the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below.
Once a cold spell is confirmed, eligible households are entitled to a payment of £25 per qualifying week, and this process repeats for each additional cold spell during the scheme’s active period. This automatic system ensures payments are timely and responsive to the weather, providing essential help when it is needed most.
Once a payment is triggered, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) typically processes it within 14 working days. The funds are deposited directly into the same bank or building society account where your regular benefits are paid.
For the 2024/2025 winter season, payments have already been triggered in certain postcode areas, such as Katesbridge, Castlederg, Glenanne, and Thomastown, covering cold spells between 3 January and 10 January 2025.
If you haven’t received your payment within the expected timeframe after a qualifying cold spell, it’s important to contact the DWP or your local Jobs and Benefits office to investigate the delay.
How to Check If You’ll Receive the Cold Weather Payment?
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or want to confirm whether a payment has been triggered for your area, there are several ways to check:
1. Use the Cold Weather Payment Checker
The government provides an online Cold Weather Payment Checker where you can enter your postcode to see if your area qualifies for a payment.
The checker uses data from local weather stations to determine if temperatures have met the trigger threshold (zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days). This tool is easy to use and provides instant results.
2. Review Your Benefits
Double-check the type of benefits you’re receiving to confirm your eligibility. The main benefits associated with the Cold Weather Payment include:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Each of these benefits has specific criteria for qualification, such as having a child under five, a health condition, or a disability. Review your benefits statement to ensure you meet the necessary conditions.
3. Contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
If you’re unable to verify your eligibility through the online checker or benefit documents, contacting the DWP is the best way to get clarity. They can confirm if you’re eligible and if a payment has been issued for your area. The DWP helpline details can be found on letters related to your benefits.
4. Monitor Weather Conditions in Your Area
Since the payment is triggered by specific temperature conditions, keeping track of weather updates in your region can help you anticipate if a payment is likely. If you experience extreme cold weather (zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days), it’s worth checking if a payment has been triggered.
5. Stay Updated Through Local News or Official Websites
Local news outlets and the government’s official website often report when Cold Weather Payments are triggered in specific regions. You can use this information to cross-check whether your area qualifies.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment?
If you believe you qualify for the Cold Weather Payment but haven’t received it, it’s essential to act quickly to resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Check Your Bank Account
The payment is made automatically into the same bank account or building society where you receive your regular benefits. Before taking any further steps, confirm that the payment hasn’t already been deposited. Look for a deposit labeled as a Cold Weather Payment or from the DWP.
2. Verify Your Eligibility
Double-check the eligibility criteria for the scheme to ensure you meet the conditions. For example:
- Are you receiving one of the qualifying benefits?
- Does your benefit claim include specific conditions, such as a child under five or a health condition?
3. Contact the DWP or Your Local Jobs and Benefits Office
If you’ve verified your eligibility and still haven’t received the payment, contact the DWP or your local Jobs and Benefits office. They can review your case, check for errors, and ensure your payment is processed.
For Universal Credit recipients:
- Sign in to your online account: Add a note to your journal explaining the issue.
- If you don’t have an online account, call the Universal Credit helpline (the number is included in your benefit letters).
4. Update Your Personal Details
Sometimes payments are delayed because the DWP doesn’t have your current bank account details or address. If you’ve recently changed your bank account, moved house, or experienced any significant changes in your circumstances, notify the DWP immediately.
5. Report the Issue Promptly
It’s important to act quickly. If you believe there’s been an error or a delay, reporting the issue as soon as possible will help resolve it faster. Payments for qualifying cold spells are usually processed within 14 working days, so if this time has passed, reach out to the DWP.
6. Special Circumstances to Consider
- Hospital Stays: If you’ve been in the hospital, this might affect your payment eligibility. Inform the DWP or your local Jobs and Benefits office if this applies to you.
- Change in Household: If a baby or child under five has recently come to live with you, ensure this is recorded with the DWP or Universal Credit office to update your eligibility.
By following these steps, you can ensure any payment delays or issues are addressed promptly.
Other Financial Support During Winter
In addition to the Cold Weather Payment, there are several other schemes available to help households cope with winter expenses. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off payment provided to older people to help with their heating costs during winter. Here are the key details:
- Eligibility: You may qualify if you were born on or before 25 September 1957.
- Payment Amount: Payments range from £100 to £300, depending on your age and household circumstances.
- Automatic Payments: If you receive the State Pension or certain other benefits, you’ll be paid automatically.
This payment is especially beneficial for pensioners who are on fixed incomes and face higher heating bills during winter months.
2. Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a £150 one-off discount on electricity bills for eligible households. Key details include:
- Eligibility: Those on low income or receiving certain benefits may qualify. The scheme is also available to some pensioners.
- How to Apply: Applications are made through your energy supplier. Not all suppliers participate, so check with yours to confirm eligibility.
- Automatic Qualification: Some individuals, such as Pension Credit recipients, may qualify automatically.
This scheme helps reduce the immediate burden of high winter energy costs for those who need it most.
3. Energy Price Guarantee
The Energy Price Guarantee, introduced by the government, helps cap the cost of energy per unit, effectively reducing energy bills for all households.
- Purpose: To shield households from extreme price hikes in energy costs.
- Coverage: Applies to electricity and gas usage for all UK households.
- Duration: The scheme is reviewed periodically, so keep an eye on updates to ensure you’re benefiting.
4. Household Support Fund
This fund provides additional financial help to vulnerable households struggling with the cost of living, particularly during winter.
- Administered by Local Authorities: Each council determines how the fund is distributed, so you’ll need to contact your local council for details.
- Eligibility: The fund is typically aimed at those on low incomes or facing financial hardship.
- Support Type: Payments may be made directly, or you may receive vouchers for essentials like food or energy costs.
5. Energy Company Grants
Many energy companies offer grants and support schemes to help customers struggling to pay their bills. Examples include the British Gas Energy Support Fund and the EDF Customer Support Fund.
- Eligibility: This depends on the provider, but these grants are typically aimed at low-income or vulnerable households.
- How to Apply: Contact your energy provider to learn about the support they offer and how to apply.
By combining these schemes with the Cold Weather Payment, households can access comprehensive financial support during the harsh winter months. If you think you might qualify for any of these schemes, act quickly to ensure you receive the help you need.
Conclusion
The £140 Cold Weather Payment is a vital support system for low-income households, ensuring they can manage heating costs during the harsh winter months.
With payments triggered automatically after severe cold spells, eligible individuals can focus on staying warm without the added stress of rising energy bills. Whether you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other qualifying benefits, this scheme ensures no one is left behind when temperatures drop.
If you need more information about eligibility, payment schedules, or related schemes, visit Universal Credit News for the latest updates and detailed guides to help you stay informed and prepared this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Apply for the Cold Weather Payment?
No, payments are made automatically to eligible individuals.
How Much Will I Receive?
You’ll receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather.
When Will I Be Paid?
Payments are made within 14 working days of a qualifying cold spell.
Can I Appeal a Rejected Payment?
Yes, you can contact the DWP to clarify or appeal a rejected payment.
How Do Hospital Stays Affect My Payment?
If you’re hospitalised, you must notify the DWP, as this could affect your payment eligibility.
