Cold Weather Payment

Cold Weather Payments are extra payments for people receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, when there's very cold weather.

How much is a Cold Weather Payment?

A Cold Weather Payment is £25 a week for each 7-day period – or forecasted 7-day period – of cold weather. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year.

Am I eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?

To be eligible for Cold Weather Payments the average temperature in your area needs to have been, or be forecasted to be, 0˚C or less for 7 days in a row. You can't receive Cold Weather Payments if you live in a care home.

You also need to be receiving certain benefits, such as:

Pension Credit

You'll usually be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you get Pension Credit.

Find out more about Pension Credit

Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

You'll usually be eligible if you claim either of these benefits and have either:

• a disability or pensioner premium
• a child who's disabled
• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• a child living with you who's under 5.

Find out more about Income Support

Find out more about income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You'll usually be eligible if you get ESA and are in either a work-related activity group or a support group. If you're not in either group, you might still be eligible if you have:

• a severe or enhanced disability premium
• a pensioner premium
• a child who's disabled
• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• a child living with you who's under 5.

Find out more about income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Universal Credit

You'll usually be eligible if you get Universal Credit, and if any other adults on your claim aren't employed or 'gainfully self-employed'.

Find out more about Universal Credit

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

You'll usually be eligible if you get SMI and you're treated as getting a qualifying benefit where you have either:

• a severe or enhanced disability premium
• a pensioner premium
• a child who's disabled
• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
• a child living with you who's under 5.

Find out more about Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

How to claim Cold Weather Payment

If you’re eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid automatically after each 7-day period of cold weather. You should receive your payment within 14 working days.

If you think you should've received a Cold Weather Payment but didn't, contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office.

If you receive Universal Credit, contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344.