# Am I eligible for a Cold Weather Payment?

> Eligibility · Last reviewed 29 May 2026

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## In short

You get £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be 0°C or below, between 1 November and 31 March. It is paid automatically to people on certain benefits such as Pension Credit and some Universal Credit claimants. Scotland runs its own Winter Heating Payment instead.

Cold Weather Payments help people on low incomes with heating costs during very cold spells. You do not need to apply — payments are made automatically if you qualify and your area triggers the temperature threshold.

Typical amount: £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather (0°C or below)

## Who usually qualifies

- You receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or income-related ESA
- Some Universal Credit claimants (e.g. with a health, child or disability element, and not employed)
- Support for Mortgage Interest claimants with a relevant element
- Your area records or forecasts an average of 0°C or below for seven consecutive days (1 Nov–31 Mar)

## Who usually does not

- You live in Scotland (you get the annual Winter Heating Payment instead)
- You are not on a qualifying benefit
- Your area has not hit the temperature trigger

## How to check

- Payments are automatic — no application needed
- Use the gov.uk Cold Weather Payment postcode checker to see if your area has triggered
- Contact your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus if you think you qualified but were not paid

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to apply?

No. If you qualify, the payment is made automatically into the account where you receive your benefits.

### What if I live in Scotland?

Scotland replaced Cold Weather Payments with the Winter Heating Payment — a fixed annual sum paid to eligible people regardless of temperature.

## Sources

- [gov.uk — Cold Weather Payment](https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.