February 2026 Payment Dates for Benefits and Pensions Plus Cost of Living Support
All the essential cost of living information you need for February, as millions face challenging economic conditions with rising inflation and persistent high prices.
The year has begun with biting cold, as sub-zero temperatures and stormy conditions forced many households to increase heating usage just as energy bills have risen. This combination, alongside the typical post-Christmas financial strain, has made the opening weeks of 2026 particularly difficult for numerous families across the country.
Economic Backdrop and Support Awareness
Inflation experienced an uptick in December, rising from 3.2 to 3.4 per cent, marking its first increase in five months. This means the rate remains nearly one per cent higher than at the close of 2024, maintaining pressure on household budgets as incomes struggle to keep pace with persistent price increases.
Research from the Trussell Trust reveals that approximately 14 million adults are currently going without food due to affordability issues. Simultaneously, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, reaching £4.4 billion by the end of June 2025.
Against this challenging economic landscape, it has become increasingly vital for households to claim all available support. Currently, around 24 million people in the UK receive some form of Department for Work and Pensions-administered benefits, including state pension recipients, representing roughly one in three individuals.
Despite this significant uptake, Policy in Practice research indicates that £24 billion worth of benefits goes unclaimed annually. Various calculators and tools exist to help individuals determine their potential eligibility for additional support.
Benefit Payment Dates in February
Benefit payments will proceed according to normal schedules throughout February, as there are no bank holidays to disrupt the usual payment cycles. Key benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance
The Department for Work and Pensions aims to complete the migration of all legacy benefits to Universal Credit by March 2026. Those currently receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, and housing benefit should have already received notification about transitioning to the Universal Credit system.
Pension Payment Dates in February
The basic state pension is paid directly into bank accounts, typically every four weeks. The specific payment day corresponds to the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
The same bank holiday payment adjustments that apply to most benefits will also affect state pension payments when relevant.
Upcoming Benefit Rate Increases
In April 2026, Universal Credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of approximately 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this translates to a £6 weekly increase, rising from £92 to £98. Couples with one or both partners over 25 will see a £9 weekly increase, moving from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits, including PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer's allowance, and ESA, should be uprated by September's inflation rate of 3.8 per cent.
However, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of Universal Credit for new claimants will be reduced from £105 to £50, with existing claimants' rates frozen until 2029. This represents a reduction of over £200 monthly, effectively halving the additional rate.
The state pension will increase by 4.8 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth, bringing the weekly amount to £241.05.
Additional Support Available
Cold Weather Payments
With temperatures reaching lows of -12C, the DWP has relaunched its annual cold weather payment scheme. This provides a £25 one-off payment triggered for every seven-day period where local temperatures remain at or below zero degrees. Eligibility requires receipt of certain benefits, with over one million households across more than 800 postcode areas estimated to qualify.
Budgeting Advance Loans
The government offers interest-free budgeting advance loans for Universal Credit claimants facing emergency financial shortages. Maximum borrowing amounts are:
- £348 for single individuals
- £464 for couples
- £812 for those claiming child benefit
Following Labour's 2024 Budget, deductions from Universal Credit to repay these loans have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, reduced from 25 per cent.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Households receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit can apply to their local council for discretionary housing payments to assist with rent or housing costs. Eligibility and available funds vary between councils.
Household Support Fund
Distributed by local councils, the Household Support Fund provides assistance to those facing financial hardship, offering support such as essential appliances, utility bill contributions, and direct cash payments up to £300. This nationwide programme runs until March 2026, with £1 billion committed to transition it into a Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Charitable Grants
Various charitable grants are available for individuals meeting specific criteria, including those who are disabled, ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, or students. Organisations like Turn2us offer online tools to search for potentially available grants.
Energy Provider Assistance
Several energy suppliers, including British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO, and Octopus, offer help for customers struggling with energy bills. Some provide free devices like electric blankets for vulnerable households.
Social Tariffs for Broadband and Water
Reduced-rate social tariffs are available for broadband and water bills for eligible low-income households. Every UK water company must offer a social tariff by law, though amounts vary regionally. Many broadband providers also offer social tariffs for those receiving benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Council Tax Reduction
Eligible households can apply for council tax discounts of up to 100 per cent, sometimes called council tax support. Local councils may offer discretionary reductions for those demonstrating severe financial hardship.
Free Childcare Hours
From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK became entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to four years old. Parents must apply online and reconfirm eligibility every three months. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, receiving 20p for every 80p contributed toward childcare costs, up to £500 annually.
Energy Price Cap Update
Ofgem's energy price cap increased to £1,758 for 1 January to 31 March 2026, representing a 0.2 per cent rise. This follows a two per cent increase in October from £1,720 to £1,755. Many experts recommend households consider fixed tariff energy deals, as numerous market options offer rates below the price cap.
Cost of Living Payment Status
The Department for Work and Pensions has not announced any continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme that operated between 2022 and 2024. The final payments were distributed to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
Mental Health Support Resources
Several organisations provide mental health support across the UK:
- Samaritans: Available 24/7 at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
- Mind: Support line at 0300 102 1234, information line at 0300 123 3393, and welfare benefits line at 0300 222 5782
- Disability charity Scope: Offers supportive online forums
- NHS: Provides online mental health triage services
