Millions of individuals throughout the United Kingdom may soon receive additional funds as cold weather grips the country this week. The Cold Weather Payment initiative offers qualifying households £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature falls to zero degrees Celsius or below during the winter season.
The scheme for 2025/26 is now operational, allowing households to claim multiple payments in case of multiple cold spells. Some may become eligible for assistance earlier than anticipated, following warnings from the Met Office about temperatures dropping to -7°C in certain parts of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow Cold Health Alert for regions including the North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. This alert indicates that individuals at risk may experience health and well-being challenges due to the weather conditions until 8 am on Friday, November 21.
According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, a cold northerly flow from the Arctic will bring significantly colder weather to the UK following the retreat of Storm Claudia. This change will result in widespread frosts, with temperatures potentially reaching as low as -7°C in some areas next week, accompanied by a noticeable wind chill.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers these payments. To qualify, recipients must be receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. If they have had a baby or a child under five has moved in with them, they should contact Jobcentre Plus to claim a Cold Weather Payment.
Eligible individuals should receive payments directly in their bank accounts within 14 working days, with most not needing to apply. However, if there is a newborn or a child under five living with them, an application is required. To check eligibility for payments in their area, individuals can use the postcode checker on the GOV.UK website. In Scotland, Cold Weather Payments have been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, valued at £59.75.
