What are cold weather payments – and how do you claim? | Money News

The government’s cold weather payments scheme is back and will be active until 31 March 2026.

It’s available across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland.

How does it work?

Eligible households are paid £25 for each seven-day period where average temperatures in your local area are below 0C or forecast to be.

The cash is designed to help keep homes warm and subsidise the cost of things such as warm clothes and extra bedding.

You can check if temperatures in your postcode are going to fall below freezing through this official link.

Who gets cold weather payments?

Only people on certain types of income-related benefits receive it.

You’ll usually be eligible if you get pension credit.

For other benefits such as income support, jobseeker’s allowance and universal credit, eligibility may be determined based on whether you have a disability or a child under the age of five is living with you.

Entitlement doesn’t extend to people who receive personal independence payments.

Do I need to apply?

The government says cold weather payments are distributed automatically if you’re eligible.

It’s worth contacting Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby, however, to make sure they’re aware your circumstances have changed.

Will this affect my other benefits?

Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits, and it’s important to note they’re separate from winter fuel payments.

Letters about winter fuel payments started to be sent to pensioners last week – and you can read more about who’s eligible for those in our guide here.