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 financial assistance.
Economic Backdrop and Rising Financial Pressures
The year has commenced with a harsh start, as sub-zero temperatures and stormy conditions have compelled millions to remain indoors and increase heating usage. This surge in energy consumption, coupled with the post-Christmas financial downturn, has rendered the initial weeks of 2026 particularly challenging for many households across the UK.
Inflation experienced a slight uptick in December, rising from 3.2 to 3.4 per cent, marking the first increase in five months. This persistent elevation in prices, nearly one per cent higher than at the end of 2024, continues to strain stagnant incomes. Concurrently, exorbitant household bills are driving millions into debt as they struggle to afford basic necessities.
Recent research by the Trussell Trust reveals that approximately 14 million adults are skipping meals due to affordability issues. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, reaching £4.4 billion by the end of June 2025. Against this difficult economic landscape, it is crucial for households to claim all entitled support. Currently, around 24 million people in the country claim some form of DWP-administered benefits, including state pension recipients, representing about one in three individuals.
Despite this, Policy in Practice estimates that £24 billion in benefits goes unclaimed annually. Households are encouraged to utilise available calculators to determine potential eligibility.
Benefit Payment Dates in February 2026
Benefit payments will proceed as usual in February, with no bank holidays to disrupt schedules. Key benefits include:
- 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 timing, visit the government’s official website. The DWP aims to complete 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 notices regarding this transition.
Pension Payment Dates in February 2026
The basic state pension is deposited directly into bank accounts, similar to benefit payments. It is typically paid every four weeks, with the specific day determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
- 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 as 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, including PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, and ESA, are expected to be uprated by September’s inflation rate of 3.8 per cent. However, the health-related element of Universal Credit for new claimants will be reduced from £105 to £50 monthly, with existing claimants’ rates frozen until 2029—a cut of over £200 per month. Eligible individuals are advised to apply promptly.
The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent from April 2026, aligning with annual earnings growth, bringing the weekly amount to £241.05.
Additional Cost of Living Support Available
Cold Weather Payments
With temperatures plummeting to -12°C, the DWP has reinstated its cold weather payment scheme. This provides a £25 one-off payment for each seven-day period where local temperatures are at or below zero degrees. Eligibility requires receipt of certain benefits, with over one million households across 800 postcode areas estimated to qualify.
Budgeting Advance Loans
The government offers 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 single individuals
- £464 for couples
- £812 for those claiming child benefit
Since April 2025, deductions for loan repayments have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Households receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit can apply to their local council for a DHP to assist with rent or housing costs, including shortfalls, deposits, or advance payments. Eligibility and fund availability vary by council.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
Distributed by local councils, the HSF offers aid such as essential appliances, utility bill contributions, or cash payments up to £300 for those in financial hardship. This scheme runs until March 2026, with a transition to a Crisis and Resilience Fund backed by £1 billion in government funding.
Charitable Grants
Various charitable grants are available for individuals facing financial difficulties, targeting groups like the disabled, ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, or students. Organisations like Turn2us provide online tools to search for applicable grants.
Energy Provider Assistance
Major energy suppliers, including British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO, and Octopus, offer support programmes for struggling customers, such as bill assistance or free devices like electric blankets for vulnerable households.
Social Tariffs for Broadband and Water
Reduced-rate social tariffs are available for broadband and water bills for eligible low-income households. Water companies are legally required to offer these, though rates vary regionally. Broadband providers also offer similar tariffs, with Ofcom providing guidance on options.
Council Tax Reduction
Eligible individuals, particularly those on certain benefits, can apply for council tax discounts of up to 100 per cent. Local councils may also offer discretionary reductions in cases of severe hardship.
Free Childcare Hours
Since 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to age four. Applications must be submitted online, with eligibility reconfirmed every three months. Tax-free childcare schemes provide additional support.
Energy Price Cap Update
Ofgem’s energy price cap increased to £1,758 for January to March 2026, a 0.2 per cent rise. Experts recommend considering fixed tariff deals, which may offer rates below the cap.
Cost of Living Payments
The DWP has not announced any continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme beyond 2024, with the final payments distributed in February 2024.
Mental Health Support Resources
For those experiencing mental health challenges, several organisations offer assistance:
- Samaritans: Available 24/7 at 116 123, via email at jo@samaritans.org, or through local branches.
- Mind: Provides a support line at 0300 102 1234, an information line at 0300 123 3393, and a welfare benefits line at 0300 222 5782.
- Scope: Offers online forums for supportive discussions among individuals with shared experiences.
- NHS: Features an online mental health triage service for accessible support.
