Millions of households across England and Wales could be just days away from an unexpected financial boost as a severe cold snap triggers government support payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Cold Weather Payments of £25 are being activated in areas where temperatures hit zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Who is eligible for the automatic payment?
The payment is made automatically to people receiving certain benefits. You do not need to apply, but payments will only be issued if the weather conditions in your specific postcode meet the official threshold. The scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.
The six qualifying benefits are:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
It is crucial to note that this scheme does not operate in Scotland, where residents may instead receive an annual Winter Heating Payment regardless of local temperatures.
How the Cold Weather Payment system works
The system is triggered by meteorological data. When the average temperature in a designated weather station area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or lower for seven days in a row, every eligible resident in that postcode district receives £25. This payment can be repeated for each qualifying 7-day period throughout the winter.
The cash is paid directly into the same bank account used for benefit payments, typically within 14 working days of the cold spell. Importantly, this payment does not affect any of your existing benefits and is tax-free.
Benefit recipients should ensure their details are up to date with the Jobcentre Plus, particularly if they have had a new baby or a child under five has come to live with them, as this could affect eligibility.
Check your postcode and health alerts issued
With freezing conditions forecast, the government urges people to use its online postcode checker to see if their area has triggered a payment. You only need to enter the first part of your postcode (e.g., ‘NE1’ or ‘BL1’).
The cold weather has also prompted health warnings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold-health alerts for the North East and North West of England, effective until midday on 5 January 2026. These alerts warn of increased risks to health, particularly for older and vulnerable people, and potential impacts on health and social care services.
Temperatures in these regions are predicted to fall to around -4°C, with snow forecast for the North West on 3 and 4 January. Residents are advised to check on neighbours and ensure they are claiming all the support they are entitled to during this period of extreme weather.
