Full List of Eligible Postcodes for Cold Weather Payments and How to Claim

As the winter months set in and temperatures across the UK begin to drop, many people are facing rising energy costs and the challenge of keeping their homes warm. For vulnerable households, the government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme provides crucial financial support when temperatures fall below freezing for a set period of time. The payment, which amounts to £25 for each cold spell, is designed to assist low-income families, pensioners, and other vulnerable individuals who may struggle with heating bills. But with cold weather expected to hit different regions at different times, how can you tell if your area is eligible for the payment? In this article, we’ll go over the details of the Cold Weather Payment scheme, the full list of postcodes currently eligible, and the simple steps to claim your payment.

What is the Cold Weather Payment Scheme?

The Cold Weather Payment is part of the government’s ongoing effort to provide financial assistance to those who are most at risk during particularly cold periods. The scheme is triggered automatically when temperatures dip below 0°C for seven consecutive days in a specific region, usually during the coldest months of the year. The £25 payment is intended to help with the cost of heating your home and is paid to individuals who qualify for certain benefits.

Those eligible for Cold Weather Payments include people who receive benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, and others. These payments do not need to be applied for; if you qualify and your area meets the required weather conditions, the payment will be sent automatically to your bank account. However, to qualify, your area must meet the temperature criteria, and you must be in receipt of an eligible benefit.

Who Qualifies for Cold Weather Payments?

Eligibility for Cold Weather Payments is based on your receipt of specific benefits. The following benefits are generally considered qualifying for the scheme:

• Pension Credit (including Guarantee Credit)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

To ensure that you receive the Cold Weather Payment, you must be receiving one of the benefits listed above, and your area must meet the temperature threshold of 0°C for seven consecutive days. If this condition is met, the payment will automatically be sent to you. It is important to note that the payments are typically processed within 14 working days of the weather event, so you may need to wait a little while to see the funds in your bank account.

Full List of Postcodes Eligible for Cold Weather Payments

The Cold Weather Payment is automatically triggered in specific postcodes when the temperature reaches below freezing for seven consecutive days. The list of eligible postcodes changes depending on the weather conditions, but some areas have already seen the payment activated due to recent cold spells. Here’s the full list of postcodes where Cold Weather Payments have been triggered due to freezing temperatures:

• CA9 Leadgate, Cumbria
• CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria
• CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria
• CA12 Keswick, Cumbria
• CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, 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 (parts on English side of border)
• DG14 (parts on English side of border)

These postcodes represent just a sample of those that are eligible for the Cold Weather Payment. It is important to regularly check your area’s weather conditions and verify your eligibility if you live in a region that is at risk of extended cold spells. If you live in one of the eligible areas and meet the criteria, you will automatically receive the payment. However, if you are unsure whether your postcode is eligible, it’s a good idea to stay informed through local weather reports or visit the government’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

How to Claim Cold Weather Payments

One of the key benefits of the Cold Weather Payment scheme is that there is no application process required. As long as you are already receiving one of the qualifying benefits and your area meets the temperature threshold, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically process your payment. This ensures that vulnerable individuals who need the support the most can access it without additional hurdles.

If you are eligible for the payment, the £25 will be deposited directly into the bank account where you receive your benefits. This is a straightforward process and typically does not require any action on your part. However, if you have any concerns or have not received the payment after the 14-day processing period, it’s a good idea to contact the DWP to check the status of your payment.

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment

While the process for receiving a Cold Weather Payment is automatic, there are times when delays or issues can occur. If you have not received your payment after the cold weather spell has passed and you believe you should have, you can contact the DWP directly to resolve any issues.

It’s important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including the necessary benefits status and the temperature records for your area. In some cases, technical issues with the data or delays in processing can result in payments being delayed.