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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Regional Report weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The Cold Weather Payment is a £25 weekly payment automatically triggered for Universal Credit claimants when the average temperature in your area is forecast or recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. No application is needed – the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issues the payment based on your postcode.
How do I check eligibility?
Use the Cold Weather Payment postcode checker on the gov.uk website. Your eligibility depends on your benefit type and the weather station linked to your postcode.
- You must be receiving Universal Credit (and not employed or self-employed) or one of the other qualifying benefits.
- The DWP monitors temperature data from the Met Office for each postcode area.
- If a cold spell is triggered, you do not need to contact anyone – the payment arrives automatically.
When will the payment be made?
Payments are sent within 14 working days of a triggered cold spell. For Universal Credit, the £25 appears as a separate addition to your regular statement.
- There is no fixed calendar date – it depends on actual weather conditions.
- If you are a pensioner, the separate Winter Fuel Payment (up to £300) is handled differently and is not linked to temperature triggers.
- In Scotland, the Scottish Government runs its own Cold Weather Payment scheme, but Universal Credit claimants in Scotland still receive the DWP payment for eligible cold spells.
Will the Cold Weather Payment affect my Universal Credit?
No – it is an extra payment and does not count as income for Universal Credit purposes. It will not reduce your regular benefit amount.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
No – the process is automatic. You only need to ensure your postcode and benefit details are up to date with the DWP. If you think a payment was missed, contact the Universal Credit helpline.
When will I get my Cold Weather Payment if I live in Scotland?
Scotland has its own separate Cold Weather Payment scheme run by Social Security Scotland. However, Universal Credit claimants in Scotland still receive the DWP’s £25 payment for cold spells linked to their postcode.