Five Million Cold Weather Payments Handed Out Worth £130 Million
A whopping five million Cold Weather Payments totalling £130 million have been doled out to help households with soaring energy bills this winter.
- Over five million £25 payments sent to homes across England and Wales
- Nearly two million went to pensioners, while over three million reached working-age households
- Payments are automatically banked between November and March when temperatures drop
DWP Data Reveals Huge Winter Support for Struggling Brits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms more than £130 million was paid from November to the end of March. Over £40 million of that went straight to pensioners on Pension Credit.
The Cold Weather Payment is an automatic £25 top-up credited to eligible households when temperatures hit zero degrees Celsius or lower for a full seven days in a row, based on local weather station data linked to the recipient’s postcode.
December was the chilliest month, triggering around 80% of payments—about four million—helping Brits through the deep freeze.
Minister Pledges Ongoing Support for Vulnerable Households
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “Cold Weather Payments provide vital support to help people through cold snaps each winter.”
“While those colder months are now thankfully behind us, there will be no let-up in our extensive support for households across the country.”
“This government is committed to helping the most vulnerable in our society. We’re delivering the biggest State Pension increase in history and boosting benefits by over 10 percent, while our Energy Price Guarantee will continue to hold down people’s energy bills.”
More Cash Payments Set to Boost Household Budgets This Year
Between 25 April and 17 May, millions will receive a hefty £301 from the DWP as part of a series of direct payments totalling up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit during 2023/24.
This follows last year’s £650 Cost of Living Payment paid to over eight million people. Additional boosts include £150 payments for eligible disabled individuals and £300 for pensioners, pushing potential support to a massive £1,350 for the most vulnerable households this year.
