Why did ESA give me £25?

[unsurewhy]

I'm up the creek without a paddle financially and yesterday my card was declined after trying to top up the gas. I was already on the emergency and nearly through it

I claim ESA currently and have a child (5) and was panicking but usually friends/family help out. I knew I have money coming in on Friday so was thinking worst thing I have to borrow from someone

Woke up to an unexpected £25 today which paid for the gas.

But I don't know why... worried I may have been paid by accident. It said CWP and I think is cold weather payment? But it's been a lot colder than it has this week... when it snowed for example and never had one before

Posting in AIBU for traffic

Cold weather payment

I got a cold weather payment today, it will have been from a couple of weeks ago when we had all the snow.

Cold weather payment. They’re usually paid a few weeks after the cold weather that they’re for. It’s for the snow days.

You can check to see if your area was eligible but I don't have a link.

yes it's a cold weather payment.

Cold weather payments have been released. This weekend may generate another in some areas.

It will be the cold weather payment for when it was snowing.

If you get certain benefits (ESA, income support, pension credits etc) you get a £25 cold weather payment if the temperature drops below 0°C for 7 consecutive days.

Oh ok I looked it up and didn't think I met the criteria but maybe I do

Yeah it'll a cold weather payment. You'll probably get a letter explaining it. I used to get them when on JSA.

On top of that you should be entitled to warm home discount,most suppliers do it. Can phone them(usually free number) it's a out £140 they put on your meter