State pensioners urged to check for six digits on statement for free £25

State pensioners across the UK are being urged to check for six digits on their bank statement for a free £25 payout.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing the extra cash to eligible households from this month as part of its winter support scheme.

The Cold Weather Payments, which are worth up to £25 per week, are triggered when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, OC or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible household’s postcode.

The payments are then automatically sent to those claiming certain benefits to help cover heating costs this winter.

The DWP will start issuing the payments from this month and the money will appear on your bank statement within 14 days of each seven-day period of cold weather between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

If you qualify for the cash, the DWP has said to look out for the six digit payment reference on your bank statement. This will start with your National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP CWP’ for people in England and Wales.

You will qualify 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

You may also be eligible if you meet any of the following additional criteria:

you have a disability or pensioner premium

you have a child who is disabled

you receive Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

you have a child under the age of five living with you

you have a severe or enhanced disability premium

you (or your partner if you have one) have a health condition or disability and have limited capacity for work

You don’t need to apply for the payment as it will be paid automatically if you’re eligible. If you think you’re entitled to the payment but you haven’t received it then you should contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. You can also check if your area has had a cold weather payment by typing in your postcode on the government website.

If you get Universal Credit you can sign in to your account and add a note to your journal, or ring the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 if you don’t have an online account.