The DWP is set to pay an additional 100 to eligible people from this weekend
As temperatures continue to drop, various parts of the UK could be bracing for snow and ice in the forthcoming months. While this might cause some very chilly nights, it could also mean a bit of extra cash for those claiming certain benefits.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers additional funds to eligible individuals during the winter period if temperatures consistently dip below a certain threshold. The payment is activated when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecasted to fall below zero degrees Celsius for more than seven consecutive days.
If these conditions are fulfilled, you could pocket £25 for each seven-day spell of unusually chilly weather. In the weeks ahead, it might be worth keeping an eye on the local temperature to see if you qualify for a Cold Weather Payment.
However, there are specific eligibility criteria that need to be met.
Who qualifies for a Cold Weather Payment?
You might be eligible if you’re receiving one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Income Support
If you’re on income-related ESA and belong to a work-related activity group or support group, you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. Even if you’re not in either of these groups, you could still bag the payments if you’re on Universal Credit.
If you’re claiming Universal Credit and not working, you might also be eligible for Cold Weather Payments, provided one of the following conditions is met:
- Your partner is not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’
- You are not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’
Either you or your partner are not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’. Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) recipients may also qualify for Cold Weather Payments if they meet certain criteria:
- A child under five is living with you
- You receive a pensioner premium
- You receive a severe or enhanced disability premium
- You have a child who is disabled
The government has confirmed that there’s no need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment. The scheme is currently active from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.
During this period, you can check with the DWP to see if you’re eligible for the payment in your area. If you’re eligible, the payment should be made automatically.
If you haven’t received it yet and believe you should have, you should contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. For those receiving Universal Credit payments, you can sign into your online account and add a note to your journal.
Alternatively, you can ring the Universal Credit helpline, the number for which should be on letters about your Universal Credit claim.