Cold weather payments start for UK snow – find out if you're eligible and when you'll receive your money

The first cold weather benefit of 2024 has been triggered after areas across the UK were blanketed in snow and temperatures plummeted last week.

To support people during these cold spells, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing the Cold Weather Benefit Scheme for eligible households.

This is a one-off payment of £25 and will be triggered every seven days when the temperature in your area is below 0 degrees.

An estimated 10,000 people in 18 postcode areas are expected to receive payments in the coming weeks. Twelve of these areas are in Cumbria, four in Northumberland and two across the Scottish border.

Here's what you need to know about this scheme:

Am I eligible for cold weather payments?

You are eligible to receive a payment if you receive any of the following:

pension system

income support

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) based on income

Income-related employment support allowance (ESA)

universal credit

Mortgage interest rate support

You must also live in an area where temperatures have been below or below freezing for seven days. If you want to check if your postcode is in an eligible area, the government has a useful tool.

The DWP uses its own equipment to measure temperatures in every postcode in the UK. If you disagree with the decision, you can also appeal directly to the department.

If you live in Scotland, you are not eligible for this scheme as the Scottish Government recently replaced it with the Winter Heating Benefit.

When will I receive my payment?

If you qualify, you will receive these payments automatically. Payments must arrive in the same bank account where you will receive them within 14 business days of the cold period.

If you think you are eligible but have not received your payment, please contact DWP.

Complete list of postal codes eligible for cold weather payments

So far, here are all the zip code areas you can expect to see cold weather payments in 2024:

CA9 Leadgate, Cumbria

CA10 Clyburn, Cumbria

CA11 Catalen, Cumbria

CA12 Keswick, Cumbria

CA16 Appleby, Westmoreland, Cumbria

CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

LA8 Kendal, Cumbria

LA9 Kendal, Cumbria

LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria

LA21 Coniston, Cumbria

LA22 Lakes, Cumbria

LA23 Windermere, Cumbria

NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland

NE47 Allendale, Northumberland

NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland

NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland

TD9 (English side of the border)

DG14 (parts on the English side of the border)