Overview
- The DWP added 74 postcode areas on January 9 following Storm Goretti’s cold snap.
- Eligibility applies to people on specified benefits in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with extra conditions for some claimants such as those on Universal Credit.
- A major activation on January 7 triggered payments in 246 areas, including parts of Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Northern Ireland.
- The scheme pays £25 for each seven-day period at or below 0°C between November 1 and March 31.
- Payments are automatic and should arrive within 14 working days in the usual account marked “DWP CWP”, while Scotland operates a separate Winter Heating Payment.