What is the Cold Winter Payment and am I eligible for it?

The Cold Weather Payment is a £25 payment that will be given for each week that there is very cold weather. The payment will be given between 1st November and 31st March.

How is the Cold Weather Payment paid?

The payment will be paid into the same bank account or building society that you receive other benefits or support. The payments will be paid within 14 days. You do not need to fill out a form or apply, the Cold Winter Payment will automatically be given to you if you are eligible. However, it is best to check that your area is covered by the Cold Winter Payment.

It’s very simple to check, all you need to do is go to Cold Weather Payment Search Tool and add your postcode into the search box.

Who can get the Cold Weather Payment paid?

Unfortunately, this payment is not available to everyone and there are some criteria that need to be met to be eligible. We’ve summarised the criteria below to help you find the relevant information to you quickly.

1. If you get Pension Credit if you receive pension credit you will usually be able to get the Cold Weather Payments.


2. If you get income Support /income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and any of the following.
   • If you have a disability or pensioner premium
   • If you have a child that is disabled
   • If you get child credit tax that includes a disability or a severe disability element
   • If you have a child that is under the age of 5 that is living with you


3. If you get an income-related Employment and Support Allowance , plus you are in a work-related activity or support group you will usually get the Cold Weather Payments. If you’re not in a support group or activity group, if you are any of the following below you can also receive the Cold Weather Payments.
• If you have a disability or pensioner premium
• If you have a child that is disabled
• If you get child credit tax that includes a disability or a severe disability element
• If you have a child that is under the age of 5 that is living with you


4. If you get Universal Credit, are not employed or self-employed and have one of the following below you will usually get the Cold Weather Payments.
   • If you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without work-related activity)
   • If you have a child under 5 living with you
   
   
5. If you receive Support for Mortgage Interest and have and have any of the below you will usually get the Cold Winter Payments:
• If you have a severe or enhanced disability premium
• If you have a child that is disabled
• If you get child credit tax that includes a disability or a severe disability.
• If you get a pensioner premium
• If you have a child that is under the age of 5 that is living with you

Please note that if you are in Scotland, you cannot receive the Cold Weather payments instead, you may be entitled to the annual Winter Heating Payment.