Benefits: Cold weather payments worth £25 have been triggered for residents in over 300 postcode areas in England and Wales

I should have also said that these payments are sent automatically.

No good unless we have 7 consecutive days or nights though.
Our area didn't have any last year.missed by a couple of nights

Once again Thanks DaisyAnne. Not had these for a few years, but note my area is now entitled to one. Makes me feel even better about having heating on when I need it.

Just as an aside, I wonder if the sum payed will be increased in the near future.
I've just looked it up, and it's been £25 since about 2009.

I hope you're right for your area Franbern. I clicked on the link, thanks DaisyAnne, I didn't know there'd be that facility. I put in my post code and thought yay I'll get one. I closed the link and then it dawned on me that the stated weather station wasn't the one nearest me, despite the same post code. I thought I'd highlight this in case other people might end up in the same boat.