The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has activated cold weather payments for an estimated one million households across the United Kingdom, following a prolonged period of freezing conditions brought by Storm Goretti.
Freezing Temperatures Trigger Financial Support
From 30 December 2025 to 9 January 2026, more than 800 postcode areas experienced seven or more consecutive days of temperatures at or below zero degrees Celsius. This met the threshold for the DWP's annual scheme, which provides a £25 one-off payment for each qualifying seven-day period of cold weather.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell stated: “As temperatures plunge, cold weather payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households.” He highlighted that this support works alongside the government's pension credit campaign and triple lock commitment.
Who is Eligible for the Payment?
The payment is automatically issued to households receiving certain benefits. To qualify, a resident must be in receipt of one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Additionally, claimants typically need to have a health condition, caring responsibilities, or a child who is young or disabled. They must also live in one of the affected postcode areas where the temperature trigger was recorded by the Met Office.
It is crucial to note that the scheme does not apply in Scotland, where the Scottish Government has replaced it with an annual Winter Heating Payment.
When and How Will Payments Arrive?
Eligible individuals do not need to apply. The £25 payment should arrive automatically in the same bank account used for benefit payments within 14 working days of the cold period. The payment reference will appear as “DWP CWP”.
Anyone who believes they qualify but has not received the money by the expected date is advised to contact the DWP directly. The department uses Met Office data to determine triggers, but appeals can be made if residents dispute the judgement for their area.
The cold weather payment scheme runs each year from 1 November to 31 March. Payments are made for each qualifying seven-day period, meaning some households in the coldest regions, like the Lake District, can receive multiple payments in one winter.
The recent triggers come as the UK endured its coldest night of the winter so far, with temperatures plummeting to -12.5°C in parts of the Scottish Highlands, Norfolk, and Suffolk. With Storm Goretti bringing further snow, ice, and high winds, the Met Office has issued amber weather warnings, raising concerns about public health during the deep freeze.
