The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that special Cold Weather Payments are being triggered across the UK, with £25 set to land in the bank accounts of eligible households.
What are Cold Weather Payments?
This financial support is designed to help vulnerable people cover the cost of heating their homes during periods of exceptionally cold weather. The payment is automatically issued to those who qualify, meaning no application is necessary.
The scheme runs from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. For each seven-day period where the average temperature in a specific area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below, a £25 payment is made.
Who is eligible for the payment?
Households receiving certain means-tested benefits are eligible for this support. The key qualifying benefits are:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
Payments are not issued as a blanket measure for the entire country. Instead, the DWP relies on data from local weather stations to determine which specific postcode areas qualify for the cash when the temperature threshold is met.
Current weather conditions triggering payments
The announcement comes as a blast of Arctic air has caused temperatures to plummet across the nation, with many areas already experiencing sub-zero conditions overnight. The Met Office has even forecast snow for large parts of England, increasing the likelihood of payments being activated in numerous regions.
With the cold snap set to continue, many eligible residents are being advised to keep a close watch on official announcements for their area to see if the seven-day cold weather trigger has been met.
