Cold Weather Payment scheme expands: 160 new postcode areas added
The Cold Weather Payment scheme has now been extended to 160 new postcode areas, allowing more households to get financial help to cope with the cold temperatures. The initiative is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and has already been paid out to almost one million households this winter, bringing the total spend to almost £35 million.
Expansion to new postcode areas
This new update sees many more households become eligible, particularly in areas such as Norfolk, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Cumbria. Here are some of the key updates:
Charlwood Weather Station (51,000 homes)
- This covers postcodes in West Sussex, Surrey and Kent:
- West Sussex: BN5, BN6, BN44, RH10, RH11, RH12, RH13, RH14, RH15, RH16, RH17, RH18, RH19, RH20.
- Surrey: GU5, GU6, RH1–RH9.
- Kent: ME6, ME14–ME20, TN1–TN27.
Andrewfield Weather Station (47,000 homes)
This covers postcodes in Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire:
- Essex: CB10, CB11, CM1–CM24, CO9.
- Cambridgeshire: CB1–CB25.
- Hertfordshire: SG8–SG11.
Brij Norton Weather Station (18,000 homes)
This covers postcodes in Oxfordshire:
- Oxfordshire: OX1–OX29, SN7.
Tibenham Weather Station (50,000 homes)
This covers postcodes in Norfolk and Suffolk:
- Norfolk and Suffolk: NR1–NR35.
SHAPE Weather Station (4,000 homes)
These postcodes are in Cumbria, and this is the third payment in the area:
- Cumbria: CA10, CA11, CA12, CA16, CA17, LA8–LA23.
Total payments and eligibility
Since November, 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments have been triggered across England and Wales. Some areas such as Cumbria have already received three payments this winter, giving each household a payment of £75. These payments are made automatically and only go to people who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
In Scotland, the government provides heating support under a separate annual scheme, which is not linked to weather conditions.
How the scheme works
Cold Weather Payments are triggered when the average temperature in a particular area falls to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. £25 is paid automatically, with no action required by eligible individuals. Full details on eligibility criteria and further information are available on the official DWP website.
| Key Details | Figures |
|---|---|
| Current Cost to Taxpayers | £35 million |
| Households Eligible | 3.9 million |
| Payments Triggered So Far | 1.4 million |
| Average Cost Per Payment | £25 |
| Postcodes Added | 160 areas across England |
Addressing heating costs in the UK
Cold Weather Payments provide vital support during cold weather, particularly for low-income households, pensioners and vulnerable individuals. As energy bills are rising due to inflation, the scheme ensures families can stay warm, without sacrificing other necessities. While England and Wales follow a temperature-based trigger, Scotland provides automatic winter heating support independently of weather conditions, ensuring more consistent support.
FAQs
What are DWP Cold Weather Payments?
Cold Weather Payments are financial assistance provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with winter costs.
What postcodes are eligible for Cold Weather Payments?
In 2025, 160 postcodes are eligible for DWP Cold Weather Payments. Check the full list to see if your area qualifies.
When are Cold Weather Payments paid out?
Payments are made when the temperature in an eligible postcode drops below a certain threshold, typically during winter months.
