Millions of Britons are set to receive a financial boost from the government as temperatures plunge across the country, but a crucial group of people on benefits risks missing out on the support entirely.
What is the DWP Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help those on certain benefits with heating costs during the coldest months. The programme, which started on November 1, 2025, and will continue until March 31, 2026, pays out £25 for every seven consecutive days when the local temperature is recorded as 0°C or below.
With the Met Office forecasting a severe cold snap, many households could soon qualify for this payment. The forecaster has warned that some rural parts of Scotland could see the mercury drop to a biting -11°C, with snow and ice causing hazardous conditions nationwide.
Who is Eligible for the Payment?
To receive the payment automatically, you must be claiming one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Income Support (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Universal Credit (if not employed and you have a health condition or a child under five)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (with specific circumstances)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (with specific premiums or if you have a child under five)
- Pension Credit
For most eligible claimants, the £25 payment is made automatically into their bank account within 14 working days of a cold spell. You can check if your area is due a payment using the official postcode checker on the GOV.UK website.
The Group That Must Act to Claim
Despite being on an eligible benefit, there is one group that will not receive the payment automatically: new parents.
If you are claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and you have recently had a baby or had a child under five come to live with you, you will not get the Cold Weather Payment unless you take action.
This specific group must proactively contact Jobcentre Plus to apply for the payment. Unlike other claimants, the system will not issue it to them without this crucial step.
It is also vital to note that the scheme does not operate in Scotland. It has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, which is a single annual payment of £59.75.
As the big freeze tightens its grip, ensuring you receive all the financial support you are entitled to has never been more important.
