As a bitter winter tightens its grip across the UK, with temperatures plunging to -12C, millions are facing a stark financial squeeze. The combination of soaring energy use, high household bills, and the traditional post-Christmas slump has created a perfect storm for those on low incomes.
While inflation fell to 3.2% in November, prices continue to rise, just at a slower pace. Against this backdrop, claiming every penny of available support is critical. Research from the Trussell Trust reveals around 14 million adults are skipping meals due to cost, while energy debt has ballooned to £4.4bn.
With approximately 24 million people receiving some form of DWP support, including the state pension, it is vital to know key dates and changes. Alarmingly, Policy in Practice estimates a staggering £24bn in benefits goes unclaimed annually.
February Payment Schedules and Key Changes
Fortunately, February 2026 has no bank holidays, so all benefit and pension payments will be made on their usual scheduled days. This includes payments for:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension and Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance and Attendance Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance
The Department for Work and Pensions is pressing ahead with its migration of legacy benefits to Universal Credit, aiming to complete the process by March 2026. Recipients of tax credits, income support, housing benefit, and jobseeker’s allowance should have already received notification about moving.
State pension payments follow a specific schedule based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
- 00 to 19: Paid on Monday
- 20 to 39: Paid on Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Paid on Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Paid on Thursday
- 80 to 99: Paid on Friday
April 2026 Benefit Uprating and Cuts
Significant changes to benefit rates are set for April 2026. Most claimants will see an increase, but a major cut is also incoming for new Universal Credit applicants.
Universal Credit's standard allowance will rise by approximately 6.2%. For a single claimant aged 25 or over, this means an increase from £92 to £98 per week. For couples where one or both are over 25, the weekly rate will rise from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits, including PIP, DLA, and Carer’s Allowance, are expected to rise by 3.8%, in line with September's inflation rate.
However, a substantial reduction is planned for the health-related element of Universal Credit. For new claimants from April 2026, this payment will be slashed from £105 to £50 per month. Existing claimants will see their rate frozen until 2029. This represents a cut of over £200 per month, halving the support for health conditions. Experts advise anyone who believes they may be eligible to apply before this change takes effect.
The state pension will increase by 4.8% from April, aligned with earnings growth. This will take the new weekly amount to £241.05.
Vital Cost of Living Support Available Now
Several schemes are in place to help households through the winter and beyond:
Cold Weather Payments have been reactivated. Eligible households in postcodes where temperatures are at or below 0°C for seven consecutive days will receive a £25 payment. Over 800 postcode areas, covering more than one million homes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, could qualify.
Budgeting Advance Loans are interest-free emergency loans for those on Universal Credit. The maximum amounts are £348 for single people, £464 for couples, and £812 for those with children. Since April 2025, repayments deducted from Universal Credit have been capped at 15% of the standard allowance.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) continues until March 2026, distributed by local councils. It can provide cash grants, help with bills, and essential appliances. The government has committed £1bn to transition this into a new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Energy, Water, and Council Tax Help: Most major energy suppliers run hardship schemes. Social tariffs for broadband and water are available for those on low incomes or benefits, though water support varies significantly by region. Council Tax Reduction can offer discounts of up to 100% for eligible households.
Childcare: Since September 2025, all working parents in the UK are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children under four.
Ofgem's energy price cap rose slightly to £1,758 for the first quarter of 2026. The DWP has not announced any revival of the direct Cost of Living Payment scheme, which ended in February 2024.
For those struggling, mental health support is available from Samaritans (116 123), Mind (0300 123 3393), and the NHS online triage service.
