With winter still in full swing and cold temperatures continuing through February, many households are struggling with higher energy bills. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers Cold Weather Payments of £25 to help low-income households cover heating costs when temperatures drop significantly.
As the UK experiences colder-than-average weather, many eligible households may automatically receive this financial support.
What Are Cold Weather Payments?
The Cold Weather Payment is a government scheme that provides £25 per week to households when there are seven consecutive days of freezing temperatures (recorded or forecasted).
This scheme runs from November 1 to March 31 every year and helps people on low incomes with rising heating costs during winter.
Who Is Eligible for Cold Weather Payments?
You may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
Eligibility also depends on your circumstances, such as whether you have children, a disability, or a long-term health condition.
If you are eligible, the payments are made automatically—you do not need to apply.
When Are Cold Weather Payments Given?
Cold Weather Payments are triggered when:
- The average temperature in your area is recorded or forecasted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
- The payment is automatically issued within 14 days of the cold period.
Where Has Cold Weather Been Forecasted?
According to the Met Office, February has already seen cold temperatures across the UK, and more could be on the way.
- The Met Office forecast indicated that from Friday into the weekend, the UK experienced a colder easterly regime with temperatures dropping.
- A high-pressure system over Scandinavia is leading to cold air moving into the UK, which could bring light rain and hill snow to parts of the country.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a Yellow Cold-Health Alert for parts of England, including the south-east and northern regions, until Tuesday, February 11.
This could trigger additional Cold Weather Payments for households in affected areas.
How to Check If You Will Get a Payment
To check if a Cold Weather Payment has been triggered in your area:
- Visit the UK Government Website
- Use the official Cold Weather Payment postcode checker to see if your area qualifies.
- Check Your Bank Account
- Payments are automatically deposited into the same bank account where you receive your benefits.
- Contact the DWP
- If you think you should have received a payment but haven’t, contact your local Job centre Plus or the Universal Credit helpline.
Why Cold Weather Payments Matter
Cold temperatures can increase heating costs, putting financial strain on low-income households. These payments:
Help vulnerable people afford heating during extreme cold spells.
Reduce the risk of health problems, such as cold-related illnesses.
Provide financial relief for those struggling with high energy bills.
With more cold weather expected, many households may receive support in the coming weeks.
As the UK faces colder-than-average weather, the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment scheme provides essential financial help for eligible households. If your area has experienced seven consecutive days of freezing temperatures, you may automatically receive £25 to help cover heating costs.
To check if you qualify, use the government’s postcode checker, monitor your bank account, and ensure your benefit details are up to date.
For more information, visit the official UK Government website.
Source: Link
FAQ’s
What is the Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is a £25 benefit paid to eligible households when temperatures stay at zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.
Who is eligible for a Cold Weather Payment?
You may qualify if you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, JSA, or ESA and meet additional eligibility criteria.
How can I check if I will get a Cold Weather Payment?
Use the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment postcode checker or monitor your bank account for automatic payments.
Do I need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment?
No, payments are made automatically to eligible claimants when cold weather criteria are met.
When are Cold Weather Payments made?
Payments are made within 14 days of a cold weather trigger period, which occurs when temperatures stay below freezing for seven days.
