Check if you could be eligible for this cash boost
Brits could be in line for extra cash from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this month – but two groups in particular may need to take action or face missing out. When temperatures drop to a certain level, you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments.
These payments are worth £25 each and are issued when temperatures hit 0C or below for seven days running. However, only certain groups are eligible for this financial assistance.
In a post on social media platform X, the DWP announced: “You could be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you are eligible you will be paid automatically in Dec 2025.”
Through GOV.UK, the DWP said: “You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically.
“You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under five comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits.”
Claimants will get £25 for each seven-day period of particularly harsh weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Who is eligible
You could get Cold Weather Payments if you’re receiving:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
How to claim the payments
No application is necessary. If you’re eligible for Cold Weather Payments, the funds will be automatically transferred to you.
However, if you’re receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it’s essential to notify Jobcentre Plus if:
- You’ve recently welcomed a new baby
- A child under five has moved in with you
These situations could potentially make you eligible for the benefit. However, Cold Weather Payments are not automatically granted.
When you’ll receive payment
If you qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
After each spell of severe cold weather in your area, you can anticipate a payment within 14 working days. The payment will be made into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.
If you reside in Scotland
Cold Weather Payments are not available for those living in Scotland. Instead, you might be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment, which is awarded regardless of the weather conditions in your area.
For further details on Cold Weather Payments, visit the Government website here.
