When the temperature drops below freezing and stays there, heating bills climb fast. That’s exactly what the Cold Weather Payment is for.
The 2026 to 2027 scheme runs from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. If you get certain benefits and your area has a run of very cold weather, DWP pays you £25 for each cold spell. You don’t have to apply. Here’s how it works and how to check whether you qualify.
How it works
A payment is triggered when the average temperature at the weather station linked to your postcode is recorded, or forecast, at 0°C or below for seven days in a row.
- You get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather.
- There’s no limit. A harsh winter could mean several payments.
- The money is tax-free and doesn’t affect your other benefits.
- It’s paid automatically to people who qualify.
Who qualifies
You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get one of these benefits and meet the conditions:
Pension Credit: You’ll usually qualify just by getting it.
Universal Credit: Neither you nor your partner can be employed or mainly self-employed, and you also need either:
- a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work, or
- a child under 5 living with you
If your Universal Credit includes an amount for a disabled child, you’ll qualify whether or not you work.
Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance: You’ll need one of these too: a disability or pensioner premium, a disabled child, Child Tax Credit with a disability element, or a child under 5 living with you.
Income-related ESA: You’ll qualify if you’re in the work-related activity group or support group. If you’re not in either group, you may still qualify with a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a disabled child, Child Tax Credit with a disability element, or a child under 5.
Support for Mortgage Interest: Similar conditions apply, such as a disability or pensioner premium, or a child under 5.
If you have a baby, or a child under 5 comes to live with you, tell the office that pays your benefit. Otherwise payments may not start automatically.
Check if your area has been triggered
DWP runs a free postcode checker at coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk for England and Wales. Type in your postcode and it shows whether a payment has been triggered for your area. Northern Ireland has its own checker on nidirect. It’s worth bookmarking, because the checker is usually updated during cold snaps from November onward.
When the money arrives
Payments normally reach your account within 14 working days of the cold spell. They go into the same account as your benefits.
If you think you’ve missed one:
- On Universal Credit? Sign in and leave a note in your online journal.
- On Pension Credit or other benefits? Contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Living in Scotland?
Cold Weather Payments don’t apply in Scotland. Instead, Social Security Scotland pays a Winter Heating Payment once a year to people on qualifying benefits, whatever the weather. You don’t need to apply for that either.
Other winter help to check
- Winter Fuel Payment: up to £300 for pensioners, mostly paid automatically in November and December
- Warm Home Discount: £150 off your electricity bill if you’re on certain benefits
- Pension Credit: if you’re over State Pension age on a low income, claiming it can unlock Cold Weather Payments and lots more
A quick warning: DWP doesn’t text people asking them to “apply” for Cold Weather Payments. If a message asks for your bank details, it’s a scam.
Sources: GOV.UK, Cold Weather Payment, GOV.UK, when you’ll get paid and DWP Cold Weather Payment postcode checker.
Maria is a dedicated news writer covering the latest UK updates on DWP, PIP, State Pension Triple Lock, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and driving licence regulations. She focuses on explaining government announcements, benefit eligibility, payment changes, pension increases, and new regulations in a clear and easy-to-understand way.