You may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if you meet the eligibility rules for certain benefits. To qualify for a cold-weather payment the average temperature in your local area must also be recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. The Cold Weather Payment is extra money for people that are receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, when there is extremely cold weather.
How much is the Payment?
You will get £25 a week for each 7 day period of cold weather. This applies every year between 1 November and 31 March.
Cold weather is defined by the Met Office as being when the average temperature has been‚ or is expected to be‚ 0°C or below for 7 days in a row. The Met Office uses specific weather stations that forecast and record temperatures.
Am I eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
The average temperature in your area needs to have been 0˚C or less for seven consecutive days. You can check your area’s temperature by using the DWP’s cold weather payment postcode checker. You also need to be receiving certain benefits, such as one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit.
How to claim a Cold Weather Payment
If you’re found to be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you will be paid automatically after each 7 day period of cold weather. You will receive a payment within 14 working days.
Contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but didn't. If you receive Universal Credit, contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November to 31 March.
Use the link below to find out if you qualify for the cold weather payment
Check if a cold-weather payment is due in your area. cold-weather payment checker website
