Cold weather payments have been activated in 697 postcodes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to a significant drop in temperatures throughout the United Kingdom, according to Reuters. These payments are designed to assist households receiving specific benefits with their fuel bills during periods of sustained cold weather.

The cold weather payment is a government benefit intended to supplement existing financial aid for energy costs. Eligibility is triggered when the average temperature in a local area is recorded or forecast to be 0 degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. The temperature is determined by the designated weather station for a given postcode.

During the winter of 2024-2025, over 1.4 million cold weather payments were issued, totaling £35 million. Of this amount, more than £9 million was allocated to individuals receiving pension credit.

To qualify for the cold weather payment, individuals must reside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and be recipients of certain benefits. In Scotland, a separate winter heating payment is available to those on low incomes and benefits, and its distribution is not contingent on specific temperature thresholds.

The process for checking eligibility involves entering a postcode on designated government websites for England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively. This allows residents to determine if their area has met the criteria for payment activation.