The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has activated its Cold Weather Payment scheme for thousands of households across England, as a severe Arctic freeze grips the nation.
Payments Triggered Amid Sub-Zero Forecast
On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, the DWP confirmed the payments were triggered for eligible residents in 18 specific postcode areas. The scheme provides a £25 automatic payment to vulnerable households when the local temperature is recorded or forecast to be 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
The affected areas are located in parts of Cumbria, Northumberland, and the English sections of the Scottish Borders. The move comes as temperatures are predicted to drop as low as -5°C, with the Met Office issuing amber cold health alerts for the North East and North West of England until 5 January.
Areas and Households Affected
Approximately 6,000 households are expected to receive the financial support. The payment is designed to help cover extra heating costs during prolonged periods of intense cold.
The full list of postcode districts where the Cold Weather Payment has been triggered is as follows:
- CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria
- CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria
- CA12 Keswick, Cumbria
- CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria
- CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
- LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria
- LA21 Coniston, Cumbria
- LA22 Lakes, Cumbria
- LA23 Windermere, Cumbria
- LA8 Kendal, Cumbria
- LA9 Kendal, Cumbria
- CA9 Alston, Cumbria
- NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland
- NE47 Allendale, Northumberland
- NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland
- NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland
- DG14 Dumfries Border (parts in England)
- TD9 Scottish Borders (parts in England)
Wider Weather Warnings and Health Alerts
The activation of the payments coincides with significant weather warnings across the UK. The amber cold health alerts indicate that the cold weather is "likely" to cause significant impacts on health and social care services, potentially leading to a rise in fatalities among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Furthermore, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for parts of Scotland from New Year's Day, with predictions of up to 10cm of snow accumulating in some areas and gale-force northerly winds.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Mark Sidaway, stated: "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter'... Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK." He urged the public to stay updated with forecasts as the cold spell is expected to last at least through the first week of January 2026.
How the Payments Work
The £25 payments are made automatically into the bank accounts of eligible recipients, typically within 14 days of the trigger date. To qualify, individuals must be receiving one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.
Pensions Minister Torsten Bell commented: "As temperatures plunge, Cold Weather Payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households. Combined with... our Triple Lock commitment, we're ensuring pensioners get the support they need this Winter."
Residents in the listed postcodes who believe they are eligible but do not receive a payment are advised to contact the DWP or their pension centre.
