Millions across Britain could soon be in line for additional funds as freezing conditions grip the nation this week. The Cold Weather Payment scheme may entitle residents to £25 payments each time average temperatures in their locality fall to zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days during winter.
The programme for 2025/26 is now fully operational, with the possibility of receiving multiple payments should there be several spells of sub-zero weather. Some people may qualify for this financial support earlier than anticipated, following Met Office warnings that certain regions are already braced for temperatures plummeting to -7C this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has meanwhile issued a yellow Cold Health Alert covering the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. This warning, signalling that certain people will experience health and wellbeing impacts from the weather conditions, is expected to stay active until 8am on Friday, November 21.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley stated: « 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.
« 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.
« 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. »
Full list of benefits eligible for Cold Weather Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is responsible for issuing these payments. To be eligible, you must be receiving certain 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
If you’re claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you’ll need to get in touch with Jobcentre Plus to receive a Cold Weather Payment if you’ve either had a baby or a child under five has come to live with you. The Cold Weather Payment scheme will continue until 31 March 2026.
Payments should be automatically deposited into your bank account within 14 working days if you’re entitled to them, meaning most people won’t need to apply. However, if you have a newborn or if a child under five comes to live with you, you will need to apply.
You can check if you’re due a payment in your area by using a postcode checker on GOV.UK. In Scotland, Cold Weather Payments are not available. They’ve been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is worth £59.75.
