How to check if your postcode is due a Cold Weather Payment

You can check find out whether your postcode is due a payment by using the Government tool if you’re in England or Wales.

For people in England Wales, the payment reference will begin with the customer’s National Insurance number, followed by “DWP CWP”.

Residents of Northern Ireland can check on the nidirect postcode checker. The funds will appear in bank statements within 14 days of each seven days of very cold weather.

In Northern Ireland the payment will reference will begin with their NI number followed by “DFC CWP”.

Scottish residents aren’t eligible for Cold Weather Payments, though you may be able to get an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. This scheme, which is Scotland’s version of the Winter Fuel Allowance, can be worth as much as £305.

Who is eligible for Cold Weather Payments?

To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest.

There are specific requirements associated with each benefit that entitle a person to receive payment, such as having a disability or a pensioner premium, or if they’re living with a child under five.

You can find the full list of requirements for each benefit, on the Government webpage.

Snowy and icy conditions forecast for the days ahead

The Met Office‘s Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree has warned Britons that temperatures could drop well below zero in the days ahead.

“Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place,” he explained. “Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.

“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland.

“Although many places will see plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures will be well-below average, with a widespread frost setting in during the evening, especially in sheltered areas.

“With sub-zero temperatures in the first ‘cold snap’ of the year, updates to the current warnings are possible, so its important people keep up to date with the forecast.”

Snow has already arrived in the UK with yellow weather warnings in place across Scotland and in England. Pictures have shown snow falling in the Scottish Highlands, with the town of Kingussie seeing heavy wintry conditions.

A warning for ice came into effect at 5am today and covers local authorities in Central, Tayside and Fife, North East England, North West England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Meanwhile, a warning for snow is in place covering local authorities in Central, Tayside and Fife; Grampian; Highlands and Eilean Siar; and Strathclyde

Another for snow and ice is set to come into effect at 6pm, covering local authorities in Central, Tayside & Fife; Grampian; Highlands & Eilean Siar; Orkney & Shetland; and Strathclyde. Further warnings for Northern Ireland and local authorities in North East England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Yorkshire & Humber will come into effect at midnight.

You can find the latest warnings, guidance, and local authorities affected here.