Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has announced that eligible residents across the constituency will automatically receive Cold Weather Payments following a recent cold spell. Covering the period from 5th to 11th January 2025, these payments are triggered when the average temperature in the area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.

Eligible residents will receive £25 per qualifying period, with no need to apply. Payments will be issued automatically to those receiving qualifying benefits, ensuring vital support reaches those who need it most during the cold winter months.

The affected postcode areas include OL11, OL12, OL15, OL16, OL2, and OL3, encompassing a large part of Rochdale.

Who is Eligible?

Cold Weather Payments are available to individuals receiving certain benefits, including:

–             Pension Credit
–             Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (with specific criteria, such as having a child under five or a disability premium)
–             Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (with criteria such as a severe disability premium or having a child under five)
–             Universal Credit (if not employed and with a health condition or child under five)
–             Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

Paul Waugh MP welcomed the timely support, saying:

“The Cold Weather Payments provide essential relief to households struggling to heat their homes during freezing temperatures. I’m pleased to see this vital support being delivered automatically, ensuring residents don’t need to worry about making an application.”

If you think you might be eligible for Cold Weather Payments and have not received them, please contact your local Jobcentre Plus or visit the government website for more information.