The Cold Weather Payment is a financial support scheme that helps eligible individuals cover heating costs during extremely cold weather. If temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, you may receive a £25 payment for each qualifying period.
This payment applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but Scotland offers the Winter Heating Payment instead.
To receive a Cold Weather Payment, you must be on a qualifying benefit. Let’s break down the eligibility criteria.
Who is Eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
You may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment if you receive any of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
Do Pension Credit Claimants Get Cold Weather Payments?
Yes! If you receive Pension Credit, you will automatically qualify for the Cold Weather Payment whenever the temperature threshold is met.
Can You Get Cold Weather Payments on Income Support or JSA?
If you receive Income Support or income-based JSA, you may be eligible if you also have:
- A disability or pensioner premium
- A child with a disability
- Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- A child under 5 living with you
What About Those on Income-Related ESA?
Individuals receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are eligible if they are in a work-related activity group or support group.
If you’re not in either group, you might still get payments if you have:
- A severe or enhanced disability premium
- A pensioner premium
- A child with a disability
- Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- A child under 5 in your household
Do Universal Credit Recipients Get Cold Weather Payments?
You will qualify for Cold Weather Payments if you receive Universal Credit and:
- You are not employed or considered gainfully self-employed
- Your partner is also unemployed (if applicable)
Additionally, one of the following must apply:
- You or your partner have a health condition or disability with limited capability for work
- You have a child under 5 in your household
- You receive the disabled child amount in your claim (regardless of employment status)
Can Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) Recipients Get Cold Weather Payments?
Yes! If you receive Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI), you are eligible if one of the following applies:
- You receive a severe or enhanced disability premium
- You have a pensioner premium
- You have a disabled child
- You receive Child Tax Credit with a disability or severe disability element
- You have a child under 5 in your home
How Do You Claim the Cold Weather Payment?
You don’t need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment. If you qualify, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) automatically processes the payment once the temperature threshold is met.
To check if a payment has been issued, visit the Cold Weather Payment postcode checker on the Gov.uk website.
When Will You Receive the Cold Weather Payment?
The £25 Cold Weather Payment is typically paid within 14 working days after the qualifying cold spell. Payments are sent directly into your bank or building society account.
Does a Hospital Stay Affect Your Cold Weather Payment?
If you stay in a hospital for an extended period, you may not receive a Cold Weather Payment. This is because some benefits pause if the recipient is hospitalized. If your payment is affected, contact DWP or check your myGov account for further details.
FAQs
How much is the Cold Weather Payment in 2025?
Each qualifying cold spell triggers a £25 payment.
Do I need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment?
No, the DWP processes payments automatically if you qualify.
How long does it take to receive a Cold Weather Payment?
Payments are usually made within 14 working days of the temperature trigger.
Can I get Cold Weather Payments in Scotland?
No, but you may qualify for the Winter Heating Payment instead.
Will my hospital stay affect my Cold Weather Payment?
Possibly. If your benefit payments are paused due to hospitalization, you may not receive Cold Weather Payments.
Can I check if my area qualifies for Cold Weather Payments?
Yes, use the Cold Weather Payment postcode checker on Gov.uk.
Are Cold Weather Payments taxable?
No, these payments are not taxable and won’t affect other benefits.
Can I receive multiple Cold Weather Payments in one winter?
Yes! You will receive £25 for every 7-day period of extreme cold weather in your area.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
