DWP 14-day warning over when £25 Cold Weather Payments will arrive

With the weather turning more chilly, thousands of people could get a DWP Cold Weather Payment if we reach sub-zero temperatures. The support goes out automatically to people on six benefits when temperatures are, or are forecast to be, below zero degrees celsius across seven consecutive days.

The latest weather forecast from the Met Office shows temperatures could reach below zero in several parts of the UK over the coming days so the DWP could be sending out the £25 payments soon to those who are eligible.

An important rule to note is that although the payment are automatic, there is a certain timeframe within which they arrive. The Government website states: "After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days.

"It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments." The payment go out depending on temperatures in each region in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so you may or may not get the payment depending on where you live.

In Scotland, people get a one-off Winter Heating Payment worth £58.75 regardless of the weather. This payment goes out between December and February, with the qualifying criteria otherwise the same as for the Cold Weather Payment.

To receive a Cold Weather Payment, you have to be claiming one of these benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest.

If you believe you are eligible for a payment but it does not arrive, you can contact the Pension Service if you claim Pension Credit, or otherwise get in touch with Jobcentre Plus.

The question of winter DWP payments has been in the news recently with the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, worth £200 or £300 this year. The eligibility criteria for this payment has changed, so it is no longer a universal payment for those of state pension age, but will now only go out to people on a means-tested benefit as well, such as Pension Credit.

If you are losing out on the payment this year, it's well worth checking if you qualify for Pension Credit, as hundreds of thousands of people miss out on the support. The benefit provides support to those on a low income with the average claim worth over £3,900 a year.