The UK is shivering through its first significant cold spell of the winter, with temperatures plunging below freezing and snow forecast for some areas. This sharp drop in mercury could activate the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Cold Weather Payment scheme for the first time this season.
What are the rules for Cold Weather Payments?
The system is designed to provide financial assistance to more vulnerable households during periods of exceptionally cold weather, helping them cover the cost of keeping their heating on. However, the payments are not guaranteed and depend entirely on specific meteorological conditions.
To trigger a £25 payment, the average temperature in a local area must be recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. The payments are issued based on data from specific local weather stations, meaning that whether you receive support can depend on your precise location. Residents in one postcode might get the payment while their neighbours in the next do not.
Who is eligible for the support?
The payment is automatically issued to eligible households receiving certain benefits. If you receive any of the following, you could be due a payment:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The Government confirms that eligible recipients do not need to apply; the payment will be made automatically if the weather conditions in their area meet the criteria.
Current weather forecasts and payment potential
The current cold snap has brought the first real chance of payments being triggered this winter. Parts of Scotland are predicted to see overnight lows of -6°C this week, while many areas across England will experience temperatures hovering around freezing.
Adding to the wintry conditions, snowfall is also forecast for parts of the UK. The scheme is active from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and households can receive a £25 payment for each qualifying seven-day period of very cold weather within this window.
