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 a 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.

Pension Credit 

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

Find out more about Pension Credit

You'll usually be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you get the Guarantee or Savings Credit parts of Pension Credit.

Universal Credit

You'll usually be eligible if you get Universal Credit, and you and your partner (if you have one) are not employed or self-employed.

You qualify if you have a child living with you who's under 5 years old or if your Universal Credit includes an increase for:

• a disabled or severely disabled child
• limited capability for work or work-related activity.

Find out more about Universal 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
• 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
• a child living with you who's under 5.

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

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.

Can I claim Cold Weather Payments if I'm in hospital?

If you are in hospital, you must tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus, as this could affect your payment.