Overview
- An estimated 674,000 households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to receive payments after sub-zero conditions activated the scheme.
- The payment is £25 for each seven-day period at or forecast to be 0°C or below between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
- Eligibility is tied to specific benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and certain income-based benefits, with additional conditions in some cases, and no application is required.
- Payments are credited to the same account as benefits and appear within 14 working days with a reference including the National Insurance number and "DWP CWP".
- Met Office snow and ice warnings and UKHSA cold-health alerts remain in effect, initial triggers began on 30 December in parts of Cumbria and Northumberland, further activations are possible, and Scotland operates a separate Winter Heating Payment.