Eligibility for extra £25 payments from DWP between November and March | UK | News
Many households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could be set for a welcome financial recovery as winter conditions hit the UK. This monetary benefit is awarded when temperatures are recorded or predicted to be at or below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Also known as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) privilege. Cold Weather PaymentsIt is designed to assist people who receive certain benefits or Mortgage Interest Support, especially during cold periods. Typically, you’ll automatically receive £25 for every seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
After each cold spell, payment is usually received within 14 working days and deposited into the same bank account or building society as your other benefits. Residents of England and Wales may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if they meet the following conditions:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Mortgage Interest Support
While Cold Weather Payments are not limited to specific bills, they aim to help with any expenses related to keeping you and your home warm. These could be particularly useful for heating costs, as many people face higher energy bills this winter following a 2% increase in Ofgem’s price cap.
This increase, which came into effect on 1 October, means a ‘typical household’ using electricity and gas and paying via Direct Debit now pays around £1,755 a year. The price ceiling will also increase by 0.2% from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
Official advice from authorities UK Government website He adds: “If you receive certain benefits or Mortgage Interest Relief, you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. If you are eligible, you will receive these payments automatically.
“You don’t need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or a child under five coming to live with you. Payments will not affect your other benefits.”
However, whether you qualify will depend primarily on your individual circumstances. For example, if you are claiming Universal Credit, neither you nor your partner need to be working or ‘self-employed’ to qualify for the benefit.
contacts in England and Wales to check your eligibility. See the GOV.UK website. Others in Northern Ireland can also contact: NI Direct website For more information.
The government website continues: “If you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but have not received it, tell the Pensions Service or Jobcentre Plus. If you receive Universal Credit, log in to your account and make a note in your diary.
“If you don’t have an online account, call the Universal Credit helpline instead. The phone number is on letters about your Universal Credit claim.”
If you live in Scotland you won’t be eligible for Cold Weather Payments but you may be able to receive an annual payment. Winter Heating Payment in its place. For more information see MyGov.Scot.
