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Cold Weather Payments worth £25 start this weekend - check if you're eligible
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Cold Weather Payments worth £25 start this weekend - check if you're eligible Almost 1.5 million households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received Cold Weather Payments during the 2025/26 version of the scheme Cold Weather Payments will begin again from this weekend - offering £25 to low income households when the temperature drops below freezing. Almost 1.5 million households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received Cold Weather Payments during the 2025/26 version of the...
Cold Weather Payments worth £25 start this weekend - check if you're eligible
Almost 1.5 million households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received Cold Weather Payments during the 2025/26 version of the scheme
Cold Weather Payments will begin again from this weekend - offering £25 to low income households when the temperature drops below freezing.
Almost 1.5 million households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received Cold Weather Payments during the 2025/26 version of the scheme. Cold Weather Payments are worth £25 and they are awarded every time the average temperature where you live hits zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days.
The scheme runs every winter, starting on November 1 and ending on March 31 the following year. It is possible to receive multiple payments if you get several periods of freezing weather over winter.
To qualify for a Cold Weather Payment, you must be in receipt of certain benefits, including:
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if are in a work-related activity group or support group, or if any of the following apply - you get the severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, you have a child who is disabled, or a child under five lives with you)
- Universal Credit (if you and your partner are not employed or "gainfully self-employed" and you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work, or you have a child under five living with you. You will also be eligible if you have a disabled child amount in your claim)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (if you have get a benefit where any of the following: severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled, or a child under five living with you)
The majority of people do not need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment. If you're due a payment, the money should be paid into your bank account automatically within 14 working days.
However, you may need to apply if you have a baby or if a child under the age of five comes to live with you. Cold Weather Payments are paid by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Cold Weather Payments are not available in Scotland. They have been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is worth £62.