Nearly 1.5 million households in England and Wales have been granted cold weather payments this winter, as confirmed by the government. These payments, totaling £25 each, are issued when the average temperature in a specific postcode area falls to or is predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven consecutive days. The recent freezing conditions at the beginning of 2026 have led to additional payments for eligible households.
The activation of these payments was prompted by temperatures dropping below zero at over 30 Met Office weather stations nationwide. Last winter, approximately 1.4 million cold weather payments were distributed. The Department for Work and Pensions has disclosed that over £35 million has already been disbursed to vulnerable households in England and Wales this winter under the scheme, which operates from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Individuals receiving Pension Credit are typically eligible for Cold Weather Payments. Those on Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify based on additional criteria such as employment status, health conditions, disabilities, or caregiving responsibilities for young or disabled children.
While Scotland does not receive Cold Weather Payments, residents may qualify for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. Pat McFadden, Secretary for Pensions, emphasized the importance of this support for vulnerable households during extreme weather conditions. He highlighted the broader support measures in place, including a higher National Living Wage, energy bill discounts, and a Winter Fuel Payment for over nine million pensioners, all contributing to alleviating financial burdens for households nationwide.
Low-income pensioners are encouraged to apply for Pension Credit, which not only offers financial aid but also grants access to various other support services such as assistance with housing costs, free NHS dental treatment, council tax discounts, energy cost relief, and free TV licenses for individuals over 75. Despite these benefits, data from 2023/24 revealed that nearly one million pensioners eligible for Pension Credit were missing out on average weekly payments of £50, amounting to £2,600 annually.
Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, stressed the importance of Cold Weather Payments in helping older individuals cope with heating expenses during cold spells. Acknowledging the concerns of many older people about meeting heating costs, Vine welcomed the UK Government’s £35 million investment to support individuals struggling with home heating expenses and expressed a commitment to collaborating with the government to ensure that older individuals with limited incomes receive essential financial assistance.