More than 400 zip codes trigger cold weather payments – check if you qualify

It’s been a chilly start to the new year with freezing conditions across the UK Hit by freezing temperatures.

Met Office Snow and ice warning It remains in place for the first week of 2026, fearing that the situation will cause health problems.

To help people survive this cold wave, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Implements a cold weather payment plan for qualifying households. This is a one-off payment of £25, which is triggered every seven days when the temperature in an area is at or below 0 degrees.

There are an estimated 674,000 households in more than 441 zip codes Payment can now be expected. These areas are spread across the UK, covering the northern and southern areas of England and Wales

The following are the postal code areas affected between December 30, 2025, and January 4, 2026:

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said: “With temperatures plummeting, the cold weather Payments will automatically provide direct support to vulnerable households.

“Combining the largest ever pension credit take-up exercise and our triple lock commitment – ​​which will increase state pensions by up to £2,100 during this parliament – ​​we ensure pensioner Get the support they need this winter. “

The implementation period of this plan is from November 1st of each year to March 31st of the following year. this pay Payments will be received for each period in which postal codes experience seven or more days of freezing temperatures, meaning households could receive more than one payment. Several people living in the Lake District received three last year, worth £75.

Am I eligible for a cold weather payment?

People who qualify for cold weather benefits must receive at least one of the following:

Those who do not receive Pension Credit often also need to have a medical condition, caring responsibilities or young or disabled children.

They must also live in an area that has experienced seven days of zero or below-zero temperatures.

DWP uses its own equipment to measure temperatures in all areas U.K. postal code. If you are not satisfied with the judgment, you may appeal directly to the relevant department.

Although the affected area covers parts of Scotland, people living in the country will not receive cold weather payments. The Scottish Government has replaced the program with an annual plan Winter heating costs.

When will I receive payment?

Those who qualify will receive payments automatically. They should be remitted within 14 working days after the cold period to the same bank account from which the benefits were received, under the payment number “DWP CWP”.

Those who think they are eligible but have not yet received a payment should contact the DWP.

Full list of eligible postal codes

Here is the complete list of more than 400 zip codes eligible for cold weather subsidies: