Thousands of households across Norfolk are to get a share of cold weather payments triggered by sustained freezing temperatures.

People claiming certain types of benefits are entitled to a £25 cold weather payment from the government if the average temperature where they live is recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0C or below for seven days in a row.

Postcodes in the Thetford area from IP24 to IP27 are eligible to receive the £25 payment as well as PE14 in west Norfolk and PE30 to PE36 which covers areas including King's Lynn, Swaffham and Downham Market.

READ MORE: Snow hits Norfolk after Met Office issues weather warning

Those eligible will receive the payment for each seven days of very cold weather and the scheme runs until March 31.

It comes as Norfolk has been issued with an amber cold weather alert after temperatures plummeted below freezing last night.

Forecasters are predicting that parts of the county will see temperatures as low as -3C this week.

Am I eligible for the cold weather payment? 

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

- Pension credit 

- Income support 

- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance 

- Income-related employment and support allowance 

- Universal Credit 

- Support for mortgage interest.

How can I claim this support? 

There is no need to apply, for those who are eligible the payment will be sent automatically.

To check if you are eligible you can visit the gov.uk website. 

When will I receive the payment? 

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

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

What if I don't receive the payment? 

Tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you think that you should have received a cold weather payment but you have not. 

If you’re getting universal credit you can also call the helpline.