Eligible households can receive £25 per week in Cold Weather Payments as temperatures are expected to plummet to as low as -6C this weekend. The Government provides this support to households on certain benefits when temperatures drop below freezing for seven consecutive days.
Who Qualifies for the £25 Payment
To qualify, temperatures in UK regions must be recorded or forecast to remain below 0C for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31. Recipients must also be receiving certain benefits, including pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, and Universal Credit.
Those eligible will receive the payments automatically for every seven-day period that meets the temperature criteria. However, Brits living in care homes are generally not entitled to the financial boost, while those in Scotland may instead qualify for the Scottish Government's flat-rate Winter Heating Payment, worth £62.
Cold Weather Alert Issued
The UK is entering a colder phase of weather, with temperatures expected to drop to -6C in some areas this weekend. Friday brought the first widespread frost of this autumn after the country experienced its coldest night of the season so far on Thursday, with -6.6C recorded in south Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first yellow cold health alert of the season this week, covering the north west and West Midlands from 9am on Thursday until 12pm on Saturday. The agency said the cold weather can lead to the increased use of healthcare services and greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Health Advice and Payment Details
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at the UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: "If you're eligible to get Cold Weather Payments, you'll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. You'll be able to check if your area is due a payment in November 2025."
"After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It's paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments." The DWP urges anyone who doesn't receive a payment but believes they are owed one to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
