Cold Weather Payment

A Cold Weather Payment is means tested benefit which can help with with the cost of heating your home during bouts of cold weather. You can only apply for this benefit if you are in receipt of certain other benefits and meet a specific qualifying criteria.

The scheme is only available between the 1st November and 31st March

How is Cold Weather defined?

Cold Weather Payments are available when there has been a Met Office recorded temperature below 0°C for seven days in a row (or this pattern has been forecasted) in your local area.

Basic Eligibility

In order to apply you must be in receipt of at least one of these benefits (as well as meeting certain other criteria)

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
  • Universal Credit

Those who live in a care home will not be able to apply.

How much will I get?

Cold Weather Payments are fixed at £25 for each seven day period where the temperature is below 0°C. However the payment can take upto 14 working days to be paid following the period of cold weather.

How is the money paid?

You do not need to apply as the money will be automatically paid if you qualify. The cash will be paid directly into your bank or building society.

You can challenge a decision via the usual channels if you feel you should be receiving a payment but are not.