Cold weather payments scheme opens this weekend - am I eligible?

When money’s tight, you might be reluctant to put the heating on even when temperatures plummet to freezing. But help may be available to low-income or eligible households if there's a prolonged cold snap.

A cold weather payment is a one-off payment of £25 made for every seven-day period when temperatures in your area are at or below zero degrees.

The support scheme will help households from November 1st 2026 - this Sunday - and March 31 2027.

How do I get the cold weather payment? 

Eligible households will get their cold weather payment automatically, so you don’t need to apply.

It’ll go directly into your bank account within 14 working days of a cold snap.

Who can get a cold weather payment?

You may be eligible if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and you receive certain benefits, including:

• universal credit
• pension credit
• income support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support for mortgage interest

If you’re on universal credit, you usually qualify if you have:

• a child under five, or
• a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work

The payment is tax-free, doesn’t affect your other benefits, and is paid into the same account as your regular benefits.

How do I know if my area qualifies?

You can use the government’s cold weather payment postcode checker to see if a payment has been triggered where you live.

If you think you should have received a payment but haven’t:

• universal credit claimants can leave a note in their online journal
• others should contact their benefit office or the Pension Service

What else can I do to stay warm?

Cold weather payments can be really helpful if you have a prolonged spell of freezing temperatures.

But it’s always worth looking at what else you can do to stay warm and healthy when the cold weather hits.

We’d recommend taking steps like:

• using a hot water bottle
• having lots of hot drinks
• wearing slippers and layering up
• use draft excluders and thick curtains to keep warmth in
• talk to your energy supplier about payment plans or hardship support
• check what other help you’re entitled to, such as the warm home discount or household support fund

We’ve got lots more tips on staying warm and healthy without putting the heating on.

And if you’re trying to keep bills down, we’ve put together some ideas on how to save energy at home this winter.