As a bitter winter tightens its grip across the UK, millions are facing a difficult start to 2026. With sub-zero temperatures forcing households to crank up the heating, rising energy bills and the post-Christmas financial squeeze are creating a perfect storm for family budgets.
Against this stark backdrop, it is more crucial than ever for individuals and families to access every penny of financial support they are entitled to. Official figures show around 24 million people are now claiming some form of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit, including the state pension.
Shockingly, research by Policy in Practice reveals that an estimated £24 billion in benefits goes unclaimed every year, highlighting a critical support gap. This guide outlines all the key payment dates for February and the vital assistance available to help households navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Key Dates for Benefit and Pension Payments in February
Fortunately, February 2026 brings no bank holidays to disrupt the usual payment schedules. All standard benefits, including Universal Credit, the State Pension, and Child Benefit, will be paid on their normal due dates.
Recipients should be aware that the DWP is pressing ahead with its migration of all legacy benefits to Universal Credit, aiming for completion by March 2026. Anyone still receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, or housing benefit should have already been notified about moving to the new system.
For state pensioners, payment dates are determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Payments are made every four weeks, landing in bank accounts according to the following schedule:
- Digits 00 to 19: Monday
- Digits 20 to 39: Tuesday
- Digits 40 to 59: Wednesday
- Digits 60 to 79: Thursday
- Digits 80 to 99: Friday
Upcoming Increases to Benefit and Pension Rates
Significant changes to benefit rates are on the horizon for April 2026. In welcome news for many, Universal Credit standard allowances are set for an above-inflation boost of around 6.2%.
This translates to an increase of £6 per week for a single claimant over 25, taking their allowance from £92 to £98. For couples where one or both partners are over 25, the weekly rate will rise by £9, from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), are expected to rise by 3.8%, in line with September's inflation rate.
However, a major cut is looming for new claimants of the health-related element of Universal Credit. The monthly rate will be slashed from £105 to £50, a reduction of over £200 per month. Existing claimants will see their rate frozen until 2029, making it urgent for those who think they may be eligible to apply now.
The State Pension will see a 4.8% increase from April, aligned with average earnings growth. This will lift the new full weekly amount to £241.05.
Vital Support Schemes for Households in Need
With the mercury plummeting, the DWP's Cold Weather Payment scheme has been reactivated. This provides a £25 payment for each seven-day period where local temperatures are at or below zero degrees Celsius. Over a million households across more than 800 postcodes may be eligible.
Other critical support includes:
Budgeting Advance Loans: Interest-free loans for Universal Credit claimants facing a financial emergency. Repayments are deducted from future UC payments, with new caps limiting deductions to 15% of the standard allowance.
Household Support Fund (HSF): Distributed by local councils until March 2026, this fund can provide cash grants, help with bills, and essential appliances. Each council sets its own criteria, so contacting your local authority is essential.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP): For those receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of UC, this council-administered fund can help with rent shortfalls or deposits.
Additional help is available through social tariffs for broadband and water, potential council tax reductions, and support funds offered directly by some energy suppliers like British Gas and Octopus.
For working parents, the rollout of 30 hours of free childcare for children under four is now complete, with eligibility needing to be reconfirmed every three months.
While the government has not announced any continuation of the direct Cost of Living Payments from 2022-2024, this wide array of other support remains accessible for those struggling to make ends meet during a challenging winter.
