The UK government’s Cold Weather Payment Scheme offers crucial support to families during the harsh winter months.
In 2025, eligible households across parts of England will receive a one-time payment of £25 to help with the added costs of heating, particularly when temperatures drop to freezing levels.
What is the Cold Weather Payment Scheme?
The scheme, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), operates annually from November to March.
It is designed to assist households with higher heating costs, especially during cold spells when low temperatures can create extra financial strain.
The payment is available to families receiving specific benefits and experiencing prolonged cold weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Eligibility Criteria:
This payment is available to households claiming one of the following benefits:- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Trigger Conditions:
The payment is activated when the temperature in an area drops to 0°C or below for 7 consecutive days. - Payment Process:
Eligible households receive a £25 payment directly into their bank accounts.
Recent Cold Weather Payments in England
In January 2025, areas in northern England experienced a particularly cold winter.
With temperatures expected to drop to -14°C to -16°C in some regions, the first payments of the season were issued.
Postcodes Eligible for Payments (January 2–9, 2025)
The following postcode areas were confirmed as eligible for Cold Weather Payments during this period:
| Region | Postcodes |
|---|---|
| Cumbria | CA9, CA10, CA11, CA12, CA16, CA17 |
| Northumberland | NE19, NE47, NE48, NE49 |
| Scottish Borders | DG14, TD9 |
| Lancashire | LA8, LA9, LA10, LA21, LA22, LA23 |
How to Check Eligibility
To find out if your area qualifies for the Cold Weather Payment, use the DWP’s postcode checker available on the gov.uk website.
Simply enter your postcode to confirm whether you’ll receive the payment.
Upcoming Cold Weather Payment Updates
With cold spells continuing, more Cold Weather Payments are expected to be issued throughout the winter months.
Experts from The Met Office have forecasted additional cold weather, including the possibility of snow, which may lead to more payments in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The Cold Weather Payment Scheme offers essential financial relief for households struggling with heating costs during the cold winter months.
If you qualify, stay informed by using resources like the Postcode Checker and keep up with updates from the DWP. With further cold weather expected, additional payments may be issued to support those in need.
