Cold Weather Payment

If you're getting certain benefits you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments when the weather is very cold.

What is a Cold Weather Payment?

Cold Weather Payments are paid when there’s very cold weather in the area where you live.

This is defined by the Met Office as being when the average temperature has been‚ or is expected to be‚ 0°C or below for 7 days in a row.

The Met Office use specific weather stations that forecast and record temperatures. 

How much is a Cold Weather Payment?

You get £25 a week for each 7 day period of cold weather. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year.

Am I eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?

The average temperature in your area needs to have been 0˚C or less for seven consecutive days. You can check your area’s temperature by using the DWP’s cold weather payment postcode checker. You also need to be receiving certain benefits, such as one of the following:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

How can I claim a Cold Weather Payment?

If you’re eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid automatically after each 7 day period of cold weather. You should receive your payment within 14 working days.

Contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but didn't. If you receive Universal Credit, contact the Universal Credit helpline.

What should I do next?

Check if your area is due a Cold Weather Payment