In a significant move to support low-income families and vulnerable individuals, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reaffirmed that certain Universal Credit claimants are eligible for a £25 Cold Weather Payment for each week the temperature drops below freezing.
This scheme runs during the coldest months to offset the rising cost of heating in the UK.
What Is the Cold Weather Payment Scheme?
The Cold Weather Payment is a financial aid scheme launched by the DWP to assist people who face higher heating costs during extremely cold weather. The payment is triggered when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
This £25 payment per qualifying week is a non-taxable benefit and does not affect other benefits you may be receiving.
Eligibility Criteria for the £25 Weekly Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is only available to individuals on specific income-related benefits. Not all Universal Credit recipients qualify—eligibility depends on additional factors, including household composition and health status.
Eligibility Table
| Benefit Type | Additional Condition to Qualify |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Have a disabled child or child under 5, or limited capability to work |
| Income Support / Income-based JSA | With a child under 5 or a disability premium |
| Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element) | Automatically qualifies |
| Income-related ESA | With a severe or enhanced disability premium |
| Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) | May qualify under same weather condition triggers |
Important: The Cold Weather Payment does not apply to self-employed individuals on Universal Credit, unless they have a qualifying child or disability.
How to Check and Claim Your Payment
The DWP has made it easy to check your eligibility and weather conditions:
- Visit the Cold Weather Payment Checker online and enter the first half of your postcode.
- If a seven-day freezing temperature streak is detected in your area, you’ll automatically receive £25 in the same bank account as your benefits.
- Payments are usually issued within 14 working days of the temperature trigger.
Claiming If You Become Eligible Mid-Winter
If your circumstances change—for example, if you give birth to a child or your health condition changes—notify Jobcentre Plus immediately. Failing to do so could delay or prevent your payment.
Key Cold Weather Payment Dates
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Active | November 1 to May 31 annually |
| Trigger Temperature | 0°C or below for 7 consecutive days |
| Payment Amount | £25 per week (per qualifying cold spell) |
| Payment Timeline | Within 14 working days of qualifying week |
The £25 weekly Cold Weather Payment is a vital support measure for eligible Universal Credit claimants and other qualifying benefit recipients in the UK.
As the cost of energy continues to rise, this initiative helps households manage heating bills during harsh weather conditions. While it is automatically applied, make sure your personal information with Jobcentre Plus or your pension centre is current to avoid delays.
For the most accurate updates, use the DWP postcode checker and consult the Universal Credit helpline if needed.
FAQs
Can all Universal Credit recipients get the £25 Cold Weather Payment?
No. Only those with specific additional qualifying factors such as having a child under five or a disability are eligible.
How do I know if my area qualifies for the payment?
Use the DWP Cold Weather Payment Checker by entering your postcode to check for seven-day cold weather streaks.
Do I need to apply for this payment?
No formal application is needed if you are already eligible. The payment is made automatically to your registered bank account.