Households in Britain urged to check bank statements now for free £25

UK households are being urged to check their bank statements for a six-digit code that signifies a free £25 payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issues these Cold Weather Payments to eligible households to help cover energy bills during periods of extreme cold. These payments, worth up to £25 per week, are activated when the average temperature is recorded as, or forecasted to be, 0C or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible household's postcode.

It is estimated that around 10,000 people across 18 postcode areas will receive Cold Weather Payments in the coming weeks following the recent snow and ice across much of the UK, reports the Express . The postcode areas where payments have already been triggered include: CA9 Leadgate, Cumbria; CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria; CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria; CA12 Keswick, Cumbria; CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria; CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria; LA8 Kendal, Cumbria; LA9 Kendal, Cumbria; LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria; LA21 Coniston, Cumbria; LA22 Lakes, Cumbria; LA23 Windermere, Cumbria; NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland; NE47 Allendale, Northumberland; NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland; NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland; TD9 (parts on English side of border); DG14 (parts on English side of border). The DWP will automatically issue the payments within 14 days of each seven-day period of cold weather into your bank account.



If you're eligible for the cash, the DWP advises to keep an eye out for a six-digit payment reference on your bank statement. This will begin with your National Insurance number followed by 'DWP CWP' for individuals in England and Wales. You'll be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you're claiming at least one of the following benefits: Pension Credit Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Universal Credit Support for Mortgage Interest Additional eligibility criteria: Having a disability or pensioner premium Having a disabled child Receiving Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element Having a child under five living with you Having a severe or enhanced disability premium Having a health condition or disability and limited capacity for work There's no need to apply for the payment as it will be automatically paid if you're eligible.

If you believe you're entitled to the payment but haven't received it, you should contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. You can also check if your area has had a cold weather payment by entering your postcode on the government website. If you receive Universal Credit, you can sign in to your account and add a note to your journal, or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 if you don't have an online account.

.