The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK is reminding people about the upcoming end of the Cold Weather Payments scheme on March 31. The payments, which are triggered when temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for a duration of seven days, provide £25 to eligible households. With over a hundred postcodes already activated for these payments due to adverse weather conditions this winter, many households have begun to receive financial aid as the region faces freezing temperatures and snow brought on by Storm Goretti.

Last winter, more than 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments were issued, amounting to approximately £35 million, highlighting the importance of this scheme for vulnerable households during harsh winter months. This year, payments have already been triggered for various locations, noting that some households have benefited from more than one payment already. The public is encouraged to check their eligibility, which requires recipients to be claiming specific benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit.

The continuation of Cold Weather Payments underscores the government's commitment to supporting those most affected by extreme weather. As the deadline approaches, eligible recipients are advised to ensure they are signed up for the relevant benefits to receive any payments due before the cut-off date. This targeted financial assistance is crucial in alleviating the impact of completely freezing weather conditions on low-income households across the UK.