As an Arctic freeze grips the nation, millions of households across the UK could receive crucial financial support through the Department for Work and Pensions' Cold Weather Payment scheme.
What is the Cold Weather Payment?
The government's Cold Weather Payment scheme provides £25 for every seven-day period when the average temperature in a local area is recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below. The 2025/26 scheme is now active and will run until 31 March 2026, with households potentially eligible for multiple payments if the cold weather persists.
This support comes as the Met Office warns of a significant temperature drop, with parts of the country bracing for lows of -7°C. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley stated: "This will bring much colder conditions than of late... with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week."
Health Alerts and Widespread Impact
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow Cold Health Alert, signalling that vulnerable individuals may face significant health impacts from the conditions. This alert covers the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber, and remains in force until 8am on Friday, November 21.
Mr Holley further explained the cause of this sharp temperature drop: "As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK." He added that this will bring "widespread frosts" and a "marked wind chill," urging people to monitor local forecasts for potential snow and ice warnings.
Who is Eligible for the Payment?
To receive a Cold Weather Payment, you must be claiming one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support (if you receive a disability or pensioner premium, live with a disabled child, or have a child under five)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (with the same conditions as Income Support)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if you get a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, live with a disabled child, or have a child under five)
- Universal Credit (if you or your partner are not employed or 'gainfully' self-employed, and you have a health condition or disability with limited capability for work, or have a child under five)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (with specific disability or child-related conditions)
Payments are typically made automatically within 14 working days to your registered bank account. However, if you have had a baby or a child under five has come to live with you, you must contact Jobcentre Plus to apply.
You can check if your area is due a payment by using the postcode checker on GOV.UK. It is important to note that Cold Weather Payments are not available in Scotland, which has instead implemented the Winter Heating Payment, set at £59.75.
