The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that nearly 1.5 million households across England and Wales have received Cold Weather Payments so far this winter. The £25 payments are triggered when average temperatures in a postcode area fall to, or are forecast to fall to, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Colder conditions in the opening weeks of 2026 led to additional payments after temperatures dropped below freezing at more than 30 Met Office weather stations. The scheme runs from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Payments
According to government figures, more than £35 million has been distributed to eligible households this winter. Around 1.4 million payments were issued last winter, indicating slightly higher demand this season due to prolonged cold spells.
The payment structure remains unchanged:
| Trigger | Amount | Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| 7 consecutive days at 0C or below | £25 per period | Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 |
Payments are made automatically to eligible households and transferred into the same account used for benefit payments. Each household receives one payment per qualifying period, even if more than one person qualifies.
Eligibility
Cold Weather Payments are typically available to households receiving certain benefits. You will usually qualify if you receive Pension Credit.
Those receiving the following benefits may also qualify if additional criteria are met:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Eligibility may depend on employment status, health conditions, disability, or caring responsibilities for young or disabled children.
People in Scotland do not receive Cold Weather Payments. Instead, they may qualify for the annual Winter Heating Payment under a separate system.
Missing
Despite the confirmed payments, concern remains that many eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, which acts as a gateway to Cold Weather Payments and other forms of support.
Government figures from 2023-24 showed that nearly two in five eligible pensioners, around one million people, were not claiming Pension Credit. On average, those missing out could be losing approximately £50 per week, equivalent to £2,600 per year.
Age UK estimates that around one in six pensioners, or 1.9 million older people, live in poverty. Charities suggest that some individuals assume they are not eligible or find the application process difficult without assistance.
Support
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described the payments as essential support during periods of freezing weather. He linked the scheme to broader cost-of-living measures, including:
- A higher National Living Wage
- £150 off energy bills
- A £300 Winter Fuel Payment for over nine million pensioners
Charities have welcomed the funding but stress that outreach is critical. Independent Age noted that many older people on low incomes report ongoing concern about heating costs.
Cold Weather Payments are triggered automatically when temperature criteria are met, but access often depends on receiving Pension Credit. Ensuring eligible pensioners apply for that benefit remains a key issue in extending support.
Outlook
As winter continues, further payments may be made if additional seven-day freezing periods are recorded. The government has encouraged eligible individuals to review their benefit status and apply for Pension Credit if appropriate.
While nearly 1.5 million households have already received assistance this winter, the data suggests that up to one million pensioners could still be missing out on financial support that may help cover heating and living costs during colder months.
FAQs
How much is a Cold Weather Payment?
£25 per qualifying seven-day cold period.
How many households have received payments?
Nearly 1.5 million so far this winter.
Who usually qualifies automatically?
Pension Credit recipients.
Do people in Scotland receive it?
No, Scotland has a Winter Heating Payment.
