Overview
- An estimated 674,000 households across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to receive payments, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
- The scheme pays £25 for each seven‑day spell at or forecast to be 0C or below between November 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, with funds paid into the same account used for benefits.
- Ten additional areas were activated on January 3, including LL20–LL23 in North Wales and SY10, SY15–SY17, SY19, SY21 and SY22 across Shropshire and mid Wales.
- Recent triggers have concentrated in the South East, South Wales and Yorkshire, while major coverage areas such as Heathrow/Greater London, Birmingham and Manchester were not included in the latest lists.
- Eligibility generally requires Pension Credit, Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, payments are automatic with no application needed, Scotland operates a separate Winter Heating Payment and further triggers remain likely as the cold spell continues.