Nearly 1.5 million pensioners and low-income households have received extra help with their energy bills this winter, as Cold Weather Payments are triggered by
freezing temperatures across large parts of England and Wales.
Since December, around £35 million has been paid out through the £25 Cold Weather Payment scheme, offering vital support to households struggling to keep their homes warm during prolonged cold spells. The payments are made automatically when temperatures fall to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, ensuring help reaches people quickly when it is needed most.
The scheme has particularly benefited low-income pensioners and families with young children, easing pressure on household budgets at a time when energy costs remain a major concern.
Part of wider cost of living support
Cold Weather Payments sit alongside a broader package of government measures aimed at tackling the cost of living. These include £150 off energy bills, increases to the National Living Wage, the removal of the two-child limit, and a £300 Winter Fuel Payment for more than nine million pensioners.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden said: “This support is a lifeline for vulnerable households when temperatures plummet.
Combined with our wider cost of living support – including a higher National Living Wage, £150 off energy bills, and a £300 Winter Fuel Payment for over nine million pensioners - these measures are making a real difference to households across the country”.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “Almost 1.5 million households have already benefited from Cold Weather Payments this winter, with support reaching those who need it most.
In addition, our biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign and our Triple Lock commitment, which will see the State Pension increase by up to £2,100 over this Parliament, are ensuring pensioners get the support they need this winter”.
Who is eligible?
Cold Weather Payments are made automatically, so eligible households do not need to apply. All those receiving Pension Credit qualify, while some people on Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Support for Mortgage Interest may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria linked to health, disability, employment status, or caring responsibilities.
The scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, with payments usually arriving within 14 working days of a cold weather trigger. Importantly, Cold Weather Payments do not affect other benefit entitlements.
Low-income pensioners who are not yet claiming Pension Credit are encouraged to check their eligibility. Pension Credit is worth an average of £86 a week and can unlock additional support, including help with housing costs and free NHS dental treatment.
Support welcomed by charities
Charities working with older people have welcomed the investment. Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said Cold Weather Payments can be crucial during cold snaps, particularly as many older people on low incomes worry about affording their heating bills.
She said the organisation looks forward to continuing its work with the UK Government to ensure financial support reaches those who need it most, alongside partners such as Age UK.
Areas affected
Cold Weather Payments have been triggered at dozens of weather stations across England and Wales this winter, covering a wide range of postcode areas. Final figures for the total number of payments will be confirmed at the end of the season in March 2026.
For households facing rising bills, the message is clear: support is available, and for many, it is already landing automatically in their accounts—helping to keep homes warm through the coldest months of the year.