Special £25 Cold Weather Payments set to enter bank accounts in ...

Special Cold Weather Payments could be about to enter bank accounts across the UK over the coming days. An Arctic blast has brought freezing temperatures and it could be cold enough to trigger the emergency payments.

The Government pays out the money to vulnerable and low-income groups during periods of very cold weather. This is to help ensure the poorest are able to heat their homes amid fears over their health.

The January cold spell comes as Winter Fuel Payments have been removed for two million low-income households, making their life even harder. Average temperatures in local areas have to be an average of 0C or lower over a seven-day period for the Cold Weather Payments to be issued.

READ MORE: New £200 cost of living payments confirmed for 2025

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Eligible households include those on Pension Credit, Universal Credit and Income Support. Temperatures are recorded locally at individual weather stations, meaning people living in some areas may get payments while others will not.

It has been a bitterly cold start to the new year and next week daytime temperatures will struggle to get above 4C. Some days will be even colder. These are conditions which could see payments triggered.

The Government explained: "You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under five comes to live with you.

"The payments do not affect your other benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

"You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025."