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What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
ReutersCold weather payments have been triggered across 697 postcodes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as temperatures plunged across the UK.
Households on certain benefits are entitled to the money when there is a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.
In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a separate winter heating payment, which does not depend on how cold it gets.
What are cold weather payments?
The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills.
The average temperature in a local area must be recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below for seven days in a row.
The temperature is recorded by the relevant weather station for your postcode.
More than 1.4 million cold weather payments worth £35m were made during winter 2024-25. Of this, more than £9m was issued to those in receipt of pension credit.
Who can get cold weather payments and how much are they worth?
To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving certain benefits, including:
- pension credit
- income support
- income-based job seekers’ allowance
- income-related employment and support allowance
- universal credit – although there are certain exceptions
- support for mortgage interest
Each cold weather payment is for a seven-day period and is worth £25.
More than one payment will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather.
The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Getty ImagesHow do I get cold weather payments and how long does it take?
You do not have to do anything in order to receive cold weather payments.
The money should be paid automatically into the same bank or building society account as your benefits, within two weeks of the qualifying period of cold weather.
If you do not receive a payment, you can contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
They are separate to the winter fuel payment, which is worth £100 or £300 depending on your individual circumstances.
About nine million pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/2026, after a government U-turn over changes to the eligibility rules.
