The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will reopen its Cold Weather Payment scheme on November 1, with eligible households in England and Wales receiving £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature in their area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below. Officials stress that payments are made automatically, and claimants should ignore any texts asking them to apply or pay a fee.
During last winter, nearly 1.5 million households across England and Wales had received a Cold Weather Payment by mid-February, with payments activated in regions including West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Wales.
Eligibility and How the Scheme Works
The scheme runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. According to government guidance, people receiving Pension Credit usually qualify. Some households receiving Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
Receiving Universal Credit alone does not guarantee eligibility. Additional conditions apply, including rules relating to work, limited capability for work and children in the household.
Scam Warning for Claimants
Tom Rogers, Home Expert at Manage At Home, warned: "With households looking for help with winter heating costs, a message promising a payment can understandably catch someone's attention, that's why it's essential for pensioners or those within receipt of benefits to be on alert."
He added: "AI can also help criminals produce convincing messages and websites, so correct spelling, professional wording and familiar branding should never be taken as proof that something is genuine. The most important thing to remember is that Cold Weather Payments are made automatically to eligible households. You do not need to follow a link in a text, pay a fee or complete an application to release the money."
Rogers also cautioned people to be vigilant about 'last chance' deadlines and threats of losing payments, noting that spelling errors alone should not be relied upon to identify a scam. Any suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726, and if financial details have already been shared, action should be taken without delay.
