With the turn of the season comes the transition to winter and the need to turn on the heat and deal with the increased cost of heating a home. Each winter, the Department for Work and Pensions in the United Kingdom provides a Cold Weather Payment to Subsidize the cost of heating required in the winter season and provides a lump sum on top of heating assistance during cold advanced periods. Cold Weather Payments helps alleviate the burden of increased heating a home during extreme cold spells. To apply for Cold Weather Payments one must understand the payment amounts, and eligibility criteria to activate your payment as it is processed automatically in the winter season to gather your local cold weather and heating assistance to determine the correct payment amount for your ideal situation.
Summary of Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments are to provide the most vulnerable in the population with part of the payment necessary to alleviate the burden of increased heating costs during periods of advanced cold weather. If the weather in the local area is recorded at 0.0 Celsius for a week, the population receives a payment of 25 pounds for the week. Each person is permitted to collect for 25 Cold Weather Payments a season which operates automatically with respect to the time of year. Payments are made to the same stream as the individual receives DWP Payments which is made on a monthly basis.
Eligibility Requirements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment amount | £25 per 7-day period of temperatures at or below 0°C |
| Scheme period | November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 |
| Eligible benefits | Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, ESA, Universal Credit, Tax Credit with Pensioner Premium |
| Automatic payment | Yes, usually within 14 working days after qualifying period |
| Scotland residents | Not eligible; separate Winter Heating Payment available |
| Application needed | Generally no, but some must apply via Jobcentre Plus |
A person must be currently receiving one or more of the following specified benefits to qualify for Cold Weather Payment: Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Pensioner Premium on their Tax Credit. Notably, residents of Scotland are not eligible for this payment but can receive a different benefit known as the Winter Heating Payment.
Some people receiving these benefits still may not receive the payment automatically, particularly new claimants or those who have had recent changes to their households. In these situations, it is recommended that the Jobcentre Plus be contacted to claim the payment. The scheme is intended to assist those most at risk during the winter months, particularly pensioners, and people with low wages and/or disabilities.
Seasonal Context and Weather Triggers
The Cold Weather Payment scheme is frozen when the average temperature of each locality drops below freezing for a week, according to the Met Office. This winter, the Met Office forecasts a number of very cold spells, with sub-zero temperatures and snow forecast for some places. This will ensure many households will qualify for the scheme this winter.
This payment aims to help households mitigate the impact of having to heat their homes and mitigate the risk of fuel poverty during the cold winter months. This payment is also meant to complement other government payments like the Warm Home Discount, which is a separate rebate meant for energy bills.
Winter Fuel Payment vs. Cold Weather Payment
Although the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment offer some relief from energy costs, the two payments are distinct. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annually paid flat amount that is paid to people of State Pension age, which is about £200 to £300 annually per household, depending on age and other factors, and is paid once annually. Conversely, Cold Weather Payment is a targetable weekly payment that is triggered by a lack of adequate warmth in the house for people on certain benefits, but is not specific to one age group, and is conditional for meeting the criteria.
Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically in November or December, while Cold Weather Payments are paid after each qualifying cold snap. If eligible, it’s possible to access both payments separately.
How to Check Eligibility and Payment Process
To determine eligibility and whether their area is eligible, people can use the government postcode checker which can be accessed on the GOV.UK site. The government provides this tool which gives information on periods of cold weather and benefits.
Claimants are notified by letter or electronically informing them that their payments are on hold until the cold period ends. Payments are processed, on average, after 14 business days from the end of the cold period. Payment is made to the same account as the client’s other benefit payments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, and Tax Credit with a Pensioner Premium are eligible benefits.
Do you have to apply for a Cold Weather Payment?
If you are receiving the qualifying benefits, you most likely will not have to apply, as payments will come automatically. However, if you recently became eligible or if there have been changes in your situation, you will likely have to inform Jobcentre Plus.
Can you claim Cold Weather Payment if you live in Scotland?
No, Cold Weather Payments are not provided in Scotland. Eligible residents receive, instead, the separate Winter Heating Payment.
This winter, for the Cold Weather Payment Scheme, we will focus on making sure vulnerable residents receive the support they need during the winter months. The scheme provides assistance in heating a home and helps to support health and well-being in the winter months.
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