Thousands of households across Suffolk are to get a share of cold weather payments after a sustained period of freezing temperatures. 

People in Suffolk living on or near the border with Norfolk within the postcode areas of IP24, IP27 and IP28 are eligible to receive the £25 payment from the government if the average temperature where they live is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below for seven days in a row.

It means those living in Brandon, Mildenhall and Lakenheath claiming certain benefits can claim the payment for each seven days of cold weather until the scheme ends on Sunday, March 31. 

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It comes as Suffolk has been issued with an amber cold weather alert as temperatures continue to drop. 

Am I eligible for the cold weather payment?

The payment will be sent to those receiving the following benefits:

- Pension credit

- Income support

- Universal credit

- Income-based jobseeker's allowance

- Income-related employment and support allowance

- Support for mortgage interest 

Do I need to apply for the support?

There is no need to apply in order to claim the support. 

Those who are eligible will receive the payment automatically. 

You can check if you are eligible on the gov.uk website. 

When will I receive the payment?

After each seven day period of cold weather, the payment will be sent within the next 14 working days. 

It will be paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. 

If you do not receive the payment and think you should tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. 

If you receive Universal Credit you can also call the helpline.