The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Cold Weather Payments will return for the 2026 to 2027 winter, with eligible claimants receiving £25 for each period of very cold weather between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027. The payments apply to those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Support for Mortgage Interest.
The DWP confirmed to Birmingham Live that the scheme is back under Labour Party Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Payments are triggered automatically when the average temperature in a claimant's area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. For each such seven-day period, a £25 payment is made.
Eligibility rules for each benefit
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the benefit received. For income-related ESA, claimants qualify if they are in the work-related activity group or the support group. Those not in either group may still qualify if they receive a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, have a disabled child, or have a child under five living with them.
For Universal Credit, claimants usually qualify if they are not employed or 'gainfully self-employed', or if their partner is not employed or 'gainfully self-employed'. The DWP states: "You’re likely to be considered ‘gainfully self-employed’ if being self-employed is your main job, you work regularly and expect to make a profit."
Additional conditions and payment details
Universal Credit claimants must also have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without work-related activity), and have a child under five living with them. Alternatively, eligibility applies if the claim includes a disabled child amount, regardless of employment status.
After each period of very cold weather in a claimant's area, the payment should arrive within 14 working days. It is paid into the same bank or building society account used for benefit payments, and no separate application is required.
