With a severe cold snap gripping the nation, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing special payments to help vulnerable households cope. Millions could see an extra £25 appear in their bank accounts as part of the government's Cold Weather Payment scheme.
What is the Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is a DWP initiative designed to provide financial support during periods of exceptionally cold weather. The scheme runs from November 1, 2025, until March 31, 2026. For every seven consecutive days where the temperature in your local area is recorded as 0°C or below, you will receive a payment of £25.
The current weather conditions have triggered these payments in many parts of the UK. The Met Office has warned of temperatures potentially dropping as low as -11°C in rural Scotland, with widespread frost, ice, and snow affecting other regions.
Who is eligible for the payment?
To qualify for the payment, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income Support (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Universal Credit (under specific conditions related to employment status and having a child under five or a health condition)
- Pension Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest (with specific premiums)
Important warning for new parents
There is a crucial exception that could cause some eligible people to miss out. If you are a new parent claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you will not receive the payment automatically.
In this specific case, you must proactively contact Jobcentre Plus to apply for the Cold Weather Payment if you have had a baby or if a child under five has come to live with you.
For everyone else who is eligible, the £25 payment should be made automatically into your bank account within 14 working days of the cold weather period. You can check if your area is due a payment by using the official postcode checker on the GOV.UK website.
Please note: This scheme does not operate in Scotland. It has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is a fixed amount of £59.75.
