Cold Weather Payments 2026: how to get £25 automatically this winter
Key points
- You could get £25 automatically for every 7-day cold snap between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027 — no application needed.
- If you claim Universal Credit, are not working, and have a health condition, a child under 5, or a disabled child, you are likely to qualify.
- Make sure your address and bank details are up to date on your UC claim before November so nothing goes wrong.
Cold weather is coming. If you claim Universal Credit and are not working, you could get £25 added to your benefit payment automatically every time the temperature drops. You do not need to apply.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. The money lands in the same bank account as your benefits within 14 working days of a cold spell ending.
What triggers a payment
A cold snap counts when the average temperature at a weather station near your home is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for 7 days in a row. Each separate cold spell earns you £25.
If there are 3 cold spells this winter, you could receive up to £75. Payments are automatic for each qualifying period — you do not need to request them.
Who qualifies on Universal Credit
You will usually qualify if you claim Universal Credit and none of the adults on your claim are working. One of these must also apply:
- You or your partner have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work
- You have a child under 5 living with you
You will also qualify if your Universal Credit claim includes a disabled child amount. For this, it does not matter whether you or your partner are working.
Other benefits that qualify
Cold Weather Payments also go to people claiming:
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
If you are on one of these benefits, you are covered automatically in the same way.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →How to make sure you get paid
Payments are automatic, but a few simple steps now can make sure nothing goes wrong before November:
- Check your address is correct on your UC claim. The payment is linked to a weather station near your postcode — an out-of-date address could mean a missed payment.
- Make sure your bank details are up to date. The money arrives in the same account as your other benefits.
- If you have a child under 5 or a health condition, check these are recorded on your claim.
If a payment does not arrive
It can take up to 14 working days after a cold spell for the money to reach you. If you believe you qualify but have not been paid, contact Citizens Advice. They can check your eligibility and help you chase a missing payment with DWP.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if a qualifying cold spell passes but no payment arrives?
Wait up to 14 working days, then contact Citizens Advice — they can check your eligibility and help you report a missing payment to DWP.
Does Cold Weather Payment apply in Scotland and Wales?
Yes, the scheme covers England, Scotland, and Wales, but Northern Ireland runs its own separate cold weather scheme.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment