Overview
- The DWP says an estimated 674,000 households across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive £25 following triggers in 441 postcode areas.
- A payment is issued for each seven-day period when average temperatures are recorded or forecast at 0°C or below between November 1 and March 31, with additional weeks generating further £25 sums.
- Money is paid automatically into the usual benefit account within about 14 working days for people on qualifying benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit with conditions, Income Support, income‑based JSA, income‑related ESA or Support for Mortgage Interest.
- Coverage varies because triggers are tied to local weather stations, with many areas in the South East, South Wales and Yorkshire included but not Greater London (Heathrow), Birmingham or Manchester in the latest batch.
- An Arctic air mass has brought snow and ice warnings and UKHSA cold‑health alerts through early January, and officials indicate further local triggers are possible while the freeze continues.