Eligible Britons are set to receive additional Cold Weather Payments this winter which will automatically land in UK bank accounts. For people receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you will get £25 for each seven-day period of “very cold weather” until March 31, 2026. This means those eligible for the payment will receive the cash if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). Britons eligible for the extra cash will automatically receive the money. For people in receipt of Income Support or JSA, payments will be made if you have a disability or pensioner premium, a child who is disabled or if you have a child under five living with you.
For Brits who get ESA payments, you will usually get the £25 if you are in a work-related activity group or support group. If you are not, you may also be entitled to the payment if you have a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled or a child under five living with you.
For Universal Credit recipients, payments will automatically land in your bank account if you are not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’, and if your partner is not employed or ‘gainfully self-employed’ (if you have a partner).
Residents in Britain who get SMI, you will get the money if you have a severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, if you have a child who is disabled or if you have a child under five living with you.
After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should receive the £25 payment within 14 working days, according to the Government website. It will be paid into the same bank or building society as your benefits payments.
If you think you should be receiving the Cold Weather Payments, but you’re not, the Government advises speaking to the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
For those receiving Universal Credit, it is important to add a note to your journal if you are also not in receipt of the additional winter allowance.
For UK residents living in Scotland, you cannot get Cold Weather Payments. Instead an annual Winter Heating Payment is available for people within the required threshold to receive it, which will be paid regardless of the weather conditions in your area.
