Nearly 1.5 Million Households Receive Cold Weather Payments as Winter Scheme Continues
London, 20 February 2026 – The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that approximately 1.5 million households across England and Wales have now received a £25 Cold Weather Payment during the 2025/2026 winter season. As of mid-February, the government has issued approximately £35 million in support to help low-income residents and pensioners manage rising energy costs during sustained periods of freezing weather.
Automatic Triggers and Eligibility
The Cold Weather Payment is a seasonal grant designed to support vulnerable households when temperatures drop significantly. Unlike many other benefits, these payments are triggered automatically based on data from the Met Office. A payment is issued when the average temperature in a specific postcode area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
The current scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026. Eligible recipients do not need to apply; the £25 sum is paid directly into the same bank or building society account used for their regular benefit payments. To date, the DWP has identified 794 eligible postcodes, with significant activity reported in Greater Manchester and parts of Cumbria, where some areas have qualified for multiple payments due to prolonged cold snaps.
Key Facts: Cold Weather Payment 2025/2026
The following table outlines the core components of the current support scheme as defined by the Department for Work and Pensions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £25 for each 7-day period of freezing weather |
| Temperature Threshold | 0°C or below (Recorded or Forecast) |
| Duration Required | 7 consecutive days |
| Scheme Dates | 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Total Households Paid | Approximately 1.5 million (as of 18 February 2026) |
| Primary Eligible Benefits | Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit, Income-based JSA |
Legacy Benefit Transition Reminder
The DWP has issued a reminder to claimants currently receiving “legacy” benefits. Most of these payments are scheduled to end by 31 March 2026 as the transition to Universal Credit continues. Claimants who receive a “Migration Notice” letter are urged to act within three months to ensure their support, including eligibility for future seasonal payments, remains uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am eligible for a payment?
You may be eligible if you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest. Generally, you must also have a disability or be responsible for a child under five to qualify under certain benefit categories.
Do I need to contact the DWP to claim the £25?
No. Payments are made automatically. If your area meets the temperature criteria and you are eligible, the money should arrive in your account within 14 working days of the trigger. If you believe you should have received a payment but have not, you should contact the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus.
What happens if the cold weather lasts for 14 days?
If the average temperature remains at or below freezing for two separate, consecutive 7-day periods, eligible households will receive two payments, totalling £50. Several areas in Northern England have already reached this threshold during the current winter window.