Minister Attwood announces changes to Cold Weather Payment scheme

There will be more weather stations measuring the winter drop in temperature that determine how many people are entitled to a Cold Weather Payment.

Following a review of the links between postcodes and weather stations, Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, will increase the number of weather stations used from five to seven by adding those at Glenanne and Stormont Castle.

Minister Attwood said: “Cold Weather payments are a vital benefit helping the most vulnerable in society. The increase in weather stations will allow areas previously represented by a single weather station to be sub-divided which will result in a fairer, more representative scheme.”

The Social Fund Cold Weather Payment Scheme provides help to people in receipt of some income–related benefits during periods of exceptionally cold weather.

A payment is made automatically when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0ºC or below over seven consecutive days, at the weather station linked to the eligible claimant’s postcode.

Notes to editors:

1. Each weather station records daily minimum and maximum temperatures, and transfers this data to the Meteorological Office. During the period 1 November to 31 March, the temperature data is used to calculate a rolling seven day average temperature which determines whether a particular weather station has “triggered” a Cold Weather Payment. Forecasts are also made each day and the Department is advised if the daily mean temperature over the next seven days is expected to reach 0ºC or below.
2. On the first available weekend after the “trigger”, the relevant benefit computer systems scan their records for all those eligible who live within the relevant postcodes. A payment is then issued automatically.
3. The Social Fund Cold Weather Payment Scheme provides help to those receiving State Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (main phase) for at least one day in a period of cold weather or they or their partner are in receipt of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (in the assessment phase) for at least one day in a period of cold weather and:
   - have a dependent child aged under five; or
   - be in receipt of a pensioner, disability, severe disability or disabled child premium ; or
   - be entitled to Child Tax Credit for a child or qualifying young person who is disabled or severely disabled.
4. Currently there are five weather stations; Aldergrove, Katesbridge, St.Angelo, Castlederg and Ballykelly.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.