Nearly 1.5 million households in England and Wales have already been granted cold weather payments this winter, as confirmed by the government. These payments of £25 are issued when the average temperature in a specific postcode area dips to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. The recent freezing temperatures in early 2026 have led to additional payments to eligible households.
The cold weather payments were activated as temperatures fell below zero at over 30 Met Office weather stations nationwide. Last winter, approximately 1.4 million cold weather payments were distributed. The Department for Work and Pensions reports that over £35 million has been disbursed to vulnerable households in England and Wales during the current winter season, running from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Eligibility for Cold Weather Payments is typically based on receiving Pension Credit. Those on Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify based on additional criteria such as employment status, health conditions, disabilities, or caring responsibilities for young or disabled dependents.
Unlike England and Wales, residents in Scotland do not receive Cold Weather Payments but may be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden emphasized the importance of this support for vulnerable households during cold weather, alongside other assistance measures like a higher National Living Wage, energy bill reductions, and a Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
Low-income pensioners are encouraged to apply for Pension Credit, which also provides access to various support services including housing cost assistance, NHS dental treatment, council tax discounts, energy cost help, and free TV licenses for individuals over 75. Despite the available support, statistics from 2023/24 show that a significant number of eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, missing out on substantial financial aid.
Organizations like Age UK stress the importance of ensuring that essential support reaches those in need, especially during periods of extreme cold. They welcome the government’s investment in providing assistance to individuals struggling to afford heating costs and look forward to collaborating further to ensure that older individuals with limited incomes receive the necessary financial backing.