Nearly 1.5 million households in England and Wales have been granted cold weather payments this winter by the government. These payments, totaling £25 each, are issued when temperatures in a specific postcode area drop to or are predicted to reach zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. The recent cold spell in early 2026 has led to additional payments to eligible households.
The drop in temperatures below zero at over 30 Met Office weather stations triggered the payments, with approximately 1.4 million payments distributed last winter. The Department for Work and Pensions reported that over £35 million has already been disbursed to vulnerable households across England and Wales this winter, with the scheme running from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Eligibility for Cold Weather Payments typically extends to individuals receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Support for Mortgage Interest, subject to meeting specific criteria related to employment status, health conditions, disability, or caregiving responsibilities for young or disabled dependents.
While Scotland does not receive Cold Weather Payments, residents may qualify for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden emphasized the importance of this support for vulnerable households amid plunging temperatures. He highlighted the broader cost of living support initiatives, such as the National Living Wage increase, energy bill reductions, and Winter Fuel Payments benefiting over nine million pensioners.
Low-income pensioners are encouraged to apply for Pension Credit, which not only offers financial support but also provides assistance with housing costs, NHS dental treatment, council tax discounts, energy bill aid, and free TV licenses for those over 75. Despite around 1.9 million pensioners living in poverty, many eligible individuals are not claiming Pension Credit, missing out on substantial financial support.
The recent investment of £35 million by the UK Government to aid those struggling to afford heating costs has been welcomed by organizations like Age UK. Ensuring that essential support reaches those in need, especially older individuals on low incomes, remains a priority for both charities and government entities.