More Cold Weather Payments Announced

There will be another round of Cold Weather Payments in some parts of Northern Ireland due to sub zero temperatures during the past few weeks. The additional £25 payment, from the Department for Social Development, will be paid automatically by the Social Security Agency to qualifying groups.

The payment will be made only to those qualifying customers living in the following postcode areas:

• BT24-28
• BT30-35
• BT45-48
• BT60-71
• BT74-82
• BT92-94
  

To qualify, you must be receiving State Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income related) for one day in the period of cold weather and have one of the following:

• a relevant pensioner or disability premium;
•  Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
  a child under five;
•  an applicable amount of Employment and Support Allowance that includes either the support component or the work-related activity component;
  

This is the fifth Cold Weather Payment made so far this winter.  The Cold Weather Payments are made automatically (i.e. there is no need to apply) to those who are entitled and are made either by cheque or direct payment. This payment will be made in the week commencing the 1st March.

At Citizens Advice we are urging all those who think you they entitled to a Cold Weather Payment and have not received it by 3rd March to contact their local Social Security Agency or Jobs and Benefits Office. You can also come into your local Citizens Advice Bureau and receive a comprehensive benefits check. Please contact the bureau in your area for an appointment.