The latest Cold Weather Payment was triggered by information supplied by the Met Office which forecast average sub zero temperatures for the period 19 February to 25 February 2010 at its Katesbridge weather station. Temperatures averaging below zero were also recorded at the Castlederg and St Angelo (Enniskillen) weather stations for the period 16 February to 22 February 2010. Only those qualifying customers living in the post code areas covered by these weather stations will receive a further £25 payment.

Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, further stated: “We are enduring one of the coldest and longest winters on record and members of our community in greatest need require help with heating costs. This latest £25 payment will be issued automatically by the Social Security Agency to qualifying customers living in the affected post code areas. There is no need to make a claim.”

The post code areas affected are BT24-28, 30-35, 45-48, 60-71, 74-82 and 92-94.

Qualifying customers can expect to receive their payments for this latest period by 3 March 2010 either by direct payment to customer accounts or by cheque.