As temperatures plummet this winter, you may qualify for £25 payments through the Cold Weather Payment initiative. These payments have recently started for the 2025/26 season, offering £25 each time the temperature dips to zero degrees or lower for seven consecutive days where you reside.
Under the Cold Weather Payment program overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you can receive multiple payments if you experience multiple prolonged periods of freezing weather during the winter season. To be eligible, you must be receiving specific benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
If you meet the criteria and are entitled to a payment, the money will be automatically deposited into your bank account within 14 working days. Most individuals will not need to apply, except for those with a baby or a child under five moving in with them.
To determine if you qualify for a Cold Weather Payment in your area, you can use a postcode checker on the GOV.UK website. It is important to note that Cold Weather Payments are not available in Scotland, where they have been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment scheme worth £59.75.