The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has signalled the introduction of new bonus payments for January, followed by the £10 Christmas Bonus.
With the UK in the throes of a cold snap, residents can expect Cold Weather Payments of either £25 or £50 this month. Fifty-one postcode areas are targeted for an additional £25, complementing those in England and Wales who are presently on select state aid programmes.
Approximately 3.9 million individuals could qualify for the DWP-backed initiative.
Officials have announced: “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.”
These financial benefits are open to those receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.
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As per the DWP’s website, eligible individuals for Cold Weather Payments will receive £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. Following each period of very cold weather in your area, you should receive a payment within 14 working days, which will be paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments, reports Coventry Live.
If these payments are triggered while you’re in hospital, it is essential to inform the pension service or Jobcentre as it may affect your payments. This can be done via your online account by adding a note to journals or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.