The payment can be a helpful boost for heating costs
As the UK braces for a cold snap, millions across the country could be eligible for extra funds. The Cold Weather Payment scheme might entitle residents to £25 each time the average temperature in their area drops to zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days during winter.
The scheme for 2025/26 is now fully up and running, with the potential for multiple payments if there are several periods of freezing weather. Some people may qualify for this financial aid sooner than expected, following Met Office warnings that certain areas are already preparing for temperatures to drop to -7C this week.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow Cold Health Alert for the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. This alert, indicating that some people will experience health and wellbeing impacts due to the weather conditions, is set to remain in place until 8am on Friday, November 21.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.”
He added: “There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.”
Dan continued: “This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures. People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
Benefits that qualify for Cold Weather Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) handles the distribution of these payments, reports the Express. To qualify, you must be in receipt of specific benefits, including:
- Income Support (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Universal Credit (if you’re not employed or “gainfully” self-employed, your partner is not employed or “gainfully” self-employed – you or your must also have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work, or have a child under five living with you)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if you get severe or enhanced disability premium, or a pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (if you have 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)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Pension Credit
Those claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance will need to contact Jobcentre Plus to secure a Cold Weather Payment if they’ve recently had a baby or a child under five has moved in with them. The Cold Weather Payment scheme remains active until 31 March 2026.
Funds should be automatically transferred into your bank account within 14 working days if you qualify, which means the majority won’t need to make an application. Nevertheless, if you have a newborn or if a child under five joins your household, you will be required to apply.
You can verify if you’re eligible for a payment in your locality by utilising the postcode checker on GOV.UK. In Scotland, Cold Weather Payments have been discontinued and substituted with the Winter Heating Payment, valued at £59.75.
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