Cold Weather Payment 2026-27

Last reviewed: 20 October 2026

The Cold Weather Payment is a government scheme designed to help people on certain benefits with the extra cost of heating their home during very cold weather. It is paid into your bank account, and you can use it towards your energy bills or anything else you need.

For winter 2026-27, you can receive £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027. You do not need to apply as eligible people are paid automatically.

Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?

You could qualify for the Cold Weather Payment if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and receive one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

Some of these benefits come with extra conditions. GOV.UK sets them out as follows:

• Pension Credit: you will usually get Cold Weather Payments if you receive Pension Credit.
• Universal Credit: you will usually qualify if neither you nor your partner is employed or gainfully self-employed, and either one of you has a health condition or disability and limited capability for work, or you have a child under 5 living with you. You also qualify if your claim includes a disabled child amount.
• Income-related ESA: you will usually qualify if you are in the work-related activity group or the support group. If you are in neither, you may still qualify if you have certain disability or pensioner premiums, a disabled child or a child under 5 living with you.
• Support for Mortgage Interest: you will usually qualify if you are treated as receiving a qualifying benefit, which applies if you have certain disability or pensioner premiums, a disabled child or a child under 5 living with you.

You must also live in an area that has recorded, or is forecast to have, an average temperature of zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

If you live in Scotland, you cannot receive the Cold Weather Payment. You may instead qualify for Scotland’s Winter Heating Payment, which is a one-off payment for people who receive a qualifying benefit and does not depend on the weather. The payment for winter 2026/27 is £62.00.

Check the official GOV.UK eligibility guidance to see whether you qualify.

How much is the Cold Weather Payment?

You receive £25 for each 7-day period when the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below. The total you receive therefore depends on how many cold periods your area has during the winter. A mild winter may mean few or no payments, and a very cold one may mean several.

The scheme runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. The payments do not affect your other benefits.

How can you check whether your area qualifies?

You can check the average temperature for your area using the Department for Work and Pensions Cold Weather Payment postcode checker for England and Wales, or the Northern Ireland checker if you live there. GOV.UK says you will be able to check whether your area is due a payment from November 2026.

How do you claim the Cold Weather Payment?

You do not need to claim. If you are eligible, you will receive the payment automatically.

If your area has a qualifying cold spell, you should receive the payment within 14 working days. It is paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.

If you have a baby, or a child under 5 moves in with you, you may need to report the change, because it can affect whether you qualify.

If you think you are owed a payment that has not arrived, contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. If you claim Universal Credit, you can add a note to your online journal or call the Universal Credit helpline.

For further details, visit the official GOV.UK Cold Weather Payment guidance.

Can you get other help with heating bills?

The Cold Weather Payment depends on the weather and on your benefits, so it will not suit everyone. Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:

• Winter Fuel Payment: a payment of between £100 and £300 for eligible older people during winter 2026-27.
• Warm Home Discount: a £150 discount on your energy bill if you meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
• Pension Credit: an income-related benefit that can provide additional financial support and may help you qualify for other assistance.

Eligibility and application rules differ between schemes and across the UK. Check the relevant government guidance to find out what support you may be entitled to.

You can also read our guides to the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount and other energy grants and schemes.