The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has activated the first Cold Weather Payments of the winter season, providing vital financial support to thousands of households across the north of England.
Who is eligible for the £25 payment?
On 30 December 2025, the DWP confirmed that 18 postcode districts, all located in northern England, have met the criteria for the payment. This means eligible residents in these areas will automatically receive a £25 payment to help cover the cost of heating their homes during the current cold snap. The move is expected to benefit an estimated 6,000 households.
Pensions Minister Torsten Bell stated: "As temperatures plunge, Cold Weather Payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households. Combined with the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign and our Triple Lock commitment – set to increase the State Pension by up to £2,100 over this Parliament - we're ensuring pensioners get the support they need this Winter."
Full list of affected postcode areas
The newly triggered payments apply to residents in parts of Cumbria, Northumberland, and the Scottish Borders. The specific postcodes are:
- Cumbria and Northumberland: CA10, CA11, CA12, CA16, CA17, LA10, LA21, LA22, LA23, LA8, LA9, CA9, NE19, NE47, NE48, NE49.
- Scottish Borders (parts in England): DG14, TD9.
How the Cold Weather Payment scheme works
The Cold Weather Payment is a targeted scheme for England and Wales. A payment of £25 is triggered for an area when the Met Office forecasts that the average temperature will be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. The payment is made automatically to those receiving certain benefits, appearing in bank accounts within 14 working days with a reference containing the recipient's National Insurance number and 'DWP CWP'.
Eligibility is linked to receiving one of the following benefits:
- 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 important to note that not everyone on these benefits will qualify; specific criteria regarding work, disability, or family circumstances apply. The DWP estimates that 3.9 million people are potentially eligible across Great Britain, including 1.2 million Pension Credit recipients.
This support is separate from the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a universal annual payment for pensioners. A similar cold weather scheme operates in Northern Ireland, while in Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment is a fixed annual sum not linked to specific temperature triggers.
Forecast prompts support as cold snap continues
The activation of these payments comes as forecasters predict a sustained period of cold weather heading into the New Year, with sub-zero temperatures expected across many regions. The DWP's system is designed to react swiftly to such forecasts, ensuring support reaches those who need it most during the coldest periods.
Residents do not need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment. Those who believe they are eligible but do not receive a payment after the 14-working-day period are advised to contact the Pension Service or their Jobcentre Plus office. The DWP also encourages people, especially pensioners, to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which can be a gateway to this and other forms of financial support.
