February 2026 Payment Dates for Benefits and Pensions Plus Cost of Living Support
All the essential cost of living information you need for February, including key dates and available support, as the economic climate remains challenging.
Economic Context and Rising Pressures
The year has commenced with a harsh start, marked by sub-zero temperatures and stormy conditions that have compelled millions to remain indoors and increase heating usage. A surge in energy bills, coupled with the post-Christmas financial downturn, has rendered the initial weeks of 2026 particularly difficult for many households, underscoring the critical importance of awareness regarding available support mechanisms.
Inflation experienced an uptick for the first time in five months during December, climbing from 3.2 to 3.4 per cent. This minor increase indicates that the rate persists nearly one per cent higher than at the end of 2024, as prices continue to remain elevated amidst stagnant income levels. Concurrently, exorbitant household bills are forcing millions to grapple with debts to afford basic necessities.
Recent research by the Trussell Trust reveals that approximately 14 million adults are foregoing food due to affordability issues. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, escalating to £4.4 billion by the conclusion of June 2025. Against this backdrop of economic hardship, it is imperative that households claim all entitled support. Currently, around 24 million individuals in the country are claiming some combination of Department for Work and Pensions-administered benefits, including state pension recipients, representing roughly one in three people.
However, research by Policy in Practice indicates that £24 billion worth of benefits goes unclaimed annually. Households can utilise its helpful calculator to ascertain potential entitlements.
Benefit Payment Dates in February
Benefit payments will be distributed as usual in February, as there are no bank holidays to consider. These payments encompass:
- Universal credit
- State pension
- Pension credit
- Child benefit
- Disability living allowance (DLA)
- Personal independence payment (PIP)
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employment support allowance (ESA)
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance
For detailed information on payment methods and schedules, visit the government’s official website. The DWP aims to finalise the migration of all legacy benefits to universal credit by March 2026. Recipients of tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, and housing benefit should have already received notification regarding this transition.
Pension Payment Dates in February
The basic state pension is deposited directly into bank accounts, similar to benefit payments. It is typically disbursed every four weeks, with the specific day of receipt corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance number. The schedule is as follows:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
State pension payments adhere to the same bank holiday adjustments applicable to most benefits.
Upcoming Benefit Rate Increases
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of approximately 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this translates to a £6 weekly increase, rising from £92 to £98. Couples with one or both partners over 25 will see a £9 weekly increase, from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits are slated for uprating by September’s inflation rate alone, increasing by 3.8 per cent. This includes PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA, and others. However, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants will be reduced from £105 to £50, with existing claimants’ rates frozen until 2029—a cut of over £200 monthly, halving the additional rate. Thus, eligible individuals are advised to apply promptly.
The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent from next April in alignment with annual earnings growth, as confirmed by the government, bringing the weekly amount to £241.05.
Additional Support Available
Cold Weather Payments: With 2026 beginning chillily, reaching lows of -12°C, the DWP has reinstated its annual cold weather payment scheme. This entails a £25 one-off payment triggered for each seven-day period where temperatures in an area are at or below zero degrees. Eligibility requires receipt of certain benefits, with over one million households across more than 800 postcode areas estimated to qualify.
Budgeting Advance Loans: The government provides interest-free budgeting advance loans for universal credit claimants facing emergency financial shortfalls, repayable over up to two years via deductions from benefits. Borrowing limits are £348 for singles, £464 for couples, and £812 for those claiming child benefit. Since April 2025, deductions have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP): Households receiving housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit can apply to their council for DHP to cover rent shortfalls, deposits, or advance payments. Eligibility and fund availability vary by local authority.
Household Support Fund (HSF): Distributed by local councils, HSF offers assistance such as essential appliances, utility bill contributions, or cash payments up to £300 for those in financial hardship. This programme runs until March 2026, with a transition to a Crisis and Resilience Fund planned.
Charitable Grants: Various grants are available for individuals facing financial struggles, targeting groups like the disabled, ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, or students. Charities like Turn2us offer online tools to search for applicable grants.
Energy Provider Help: Suppliers including British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO, and Octopus provide support for those struggling with bills, potentially offering free devices like electric blankets for vulnerable residents.
Social Tariffs for Broadband and Water: Reduced rates are available for eligible low-income households, though water support varies regionally. Broadband social tariffs are offered by many providers for those on benefits like universal credit.
Council Tax Reduction: Discounts of up to 100 per cent may be available for those meeting certain criteria or on benefits, with discretionary reductions possible for severe hardship cases.
Free Childcare: From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to age four, with applications required every three months. Tax-free childcare provides a 20p return for every 80p spent, up to £500 annually.
Energy Price Cap and Mental Health Support
Ofgem’s energy price cap increased to £1,758 for 1 January to 31 March 2026—a 0.2 per cent rise. Experts recommend considering fixed tariff deals, which may offer lower rates. No continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme beyond 2024 has been announced by the DWP.
For mental health support, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123, Mind at 0300 102 1234, and the NHS offers online triage services. Disability charity Scope provides forums for supportive discussions.
