Written by David Walter, Chief Commercial Officer
5 Feb 2025: Worrying about your energy bills can leave you feeling left out in the cold – in more ways than one? If you need extra help during the winter months, Cold Weather Payments can be a big help But what are they, and how can you apply?
Cold Weather Payments are a government-led benefit – you can think of them as a safety net to cover your energy costs during the winter if you’re in a vulnerable position.
They're designed to help anyone who struggles to keep their home warm during long stretches when the temperatures plummet. Unlike a normal benefit that pays out regularly all year round, these payments only kick in when the weather reaches sub-zero temperatures.
While they might seem similar, it's worth noting that Cold Weather Payments aren't the same as Winter Fuel Payments, and you may even be eligible for both.
The latter’s a one-off annual payment between £200–£300 to help older people heat their homes, while Cold Weather Payments can be triggered whenever the temperature drops to zero for seven days in a row — so you might receive several payments in a single winter.
If you qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you'll get a £25 allowance for every seven-day period where the temperatures hit or are forecast to be on or below zero degrees. This applies any time between the 1st of November through to the 31st of March, so you'll get extra support for each week the cold weather lasts.
Once March ends, the payments will stop until the following winter — even if temperatures dip below freezing again. This means the next chance to receive a Cold Weather Payment from April onwards will be November, so it's still worth saving up for any emergency heating where possible.
It's estimated that over 4.1 million people across the UK can claim Cold Weather Payments — but how do you know if you're one of them?
Cold Weather Payments are aimed at people who need the extra help the most, so your eligibility depends on any benefits you're already receiving. If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you might qualify for the payments if you get:
Pension Credit — as long as you still live at home.
Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) — if you also have a disability or pensioner premium, a disabled child, or a child under five.
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) — with similar additional criteria as JSA.
Universal Credit — if you're unemployed due to a health condition or disability or have a child under five living with you.
Support for Mortgage Interest — if you meet certain conditions, like receiving Child Tax Credits with a disability element.
Your Cold Weather allowance won't affect any other benefits, so you'll still receive your usual payments alongside this extra support.
If you live in Scotland, Cold Weather Payments aren't available, but you might qualify for the Winter Heating Payment instead. This is a £58.75 annual payment that's made every winter regardless of the weather. The criteria are the same as the Cold Weather Payment, but you'll also need to be receiving an eligible benefit during the qualifying week, which varies each year.
Not sure if you're due a Cold Weather Payments? Don't worry; finding out only takes a few seconds. Where you live plays a big role in your eligibility, as these payments are only triggered during periods of extreme cold in your area.
If you're in England or Wales, you can check your Cold Weather Payment eligibility using the Cold Weather Payment postcode checker to see if your area qualifies.
For those in Northern Ireland, there's a separate Cold Weather Payment checker to see if your local weather conditions meet the criteria.
The great news is, if you're someone who could be eligible for Cold Weather Payments, you don't need to apply — the payments will usually be made automatically when the temperatures drop. They'll be sent directly to the same bank or building society account where you receive your regular benefits, so there's no need for any extra paperwork.
The only exception is if you're receiving income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and recently had a baby or now have a child under five living with you; then you'll need to let Jobcentre Plus know. Otherwise, you might miss out on payments you're entitled to.
While the name can seem misleading, Cold Weather Payments aren’t sent out every time it feels cold. You'll only be paid once the weather takes a real turn and temperatures hit zero degrees (or below) for seven days in a row.
The payment should land in your account within 14 working days, and it'll be sent straight into the same bank account where your benefits are paid, so there's nothing else you need to do.
Your payment should arrive automatically, but sometimes things slip through the cracks. There's no need to panic if you're eligible but haven't received one. Start by checking that very cold weather was recorded in your area for at least seven days and that your benefit details are up to date.
If your information's correct, you'll need to contact either the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus to let them know you've missed a payment. If you're on Universal Credit, you can log into your online account and leave a note in your journal. Or, if you don't have an online account, you can call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Cold Weather Payments can help take the sting out of rising heating costs, but they're not a one-stop solution. Not everyone is eligible, and the £25 may not cover everything if you're heating a larger home or live in an especially cold area. But there are other ways to cut down on your bills.
Here are five of our favourite energy-saving tips:
Draught-proof your home — Stop heat from escaping by sealing up gaps around doors and windows with draught excluders or sealant. This simple fix could save you around £40 a year and make a noticeable difference in keeping your home cosy.
Adjust your thermostat settings — Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce heating costs by up to 10%. If your home is well insulated, you may not need to set your heating as high. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can also help by automatically lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or out of the house.
Bleed your radiators — If your radiators have cold spots or make gurgling noises, trapped air could be stopping them from heating up properly. Bleeding them removes air pockets, helping them heat your rooms more efficiently.
Upgrade to a high-efficiency boiler — If your boiler is over 15 years old, it may not be running as efficiently as newer models. While replacing it comes with an upfront cost, upgrading to an A-rated boiler can cut your energy usage and lower your bills in the long run.
Schedule a boiler service — Even a modern boiler can lose efficiency if it’s not well maintained. Annual servicing helps spot any issues early on, making sure your boiler runs smoothly and doesn’t have to work overtime to heat your home — especially during winter.
If you’re worried about paying your next bill, we’ve pulled together a list of ways that you can get help with your energy bill here.
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26th Sep 2024 - Got your heating on full whack, but somehow your home still feels cold? Can you feel cold spots on your radiators? It might be time to bleed them.
23 July 2024 - Whether you want to reduce your utility bills or contribute to a greener planet, adopting energy-efficient habits can make a significant difference. At UW, we're committed to helping you achieve these goals.
The government has announced that the energy price cap will increase on 1 April 2025. You don’t need to do anything - we’ll be in touch with all our customers on a standard variable tariff in the coming weeks with details of how this will impact you.
