The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled NEW bonus payments scheduled for January, following the £10 Christmas Bonus. Amidst the UK’s cold snap, January’s bonus will include Cold Weather Payments of either £25 or £50.
These payments are set to be activated for a total of 51 postcode areas across England and Wales, benefiting those already receiving certain benefits. An estimated 3.9 million individuals could be eligible for this payment under the DWP’s scheme.
A government statement clarified: “If you’re eligible to get Cold Weather Payments, you’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.”
Eligibility for these payments extends to recipients of Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.
According to the DWP’s website, if you’re eligible for Cold Weather Payments, you’ll receive £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should receive a payment within 14 working days, paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments, reports Birmingham Live.
It’s important to note that anyone admitted to hospital when these payments are triggered must inform the pension service or Jobcentre as it may affect payments. This can be done via the online account by adding a note to journals or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.
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