DWP Cold Weather Payments Postcodes – Find Out If Your Area Is Included
The UK government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme supports vulnerable households during freezing spells by providing £25 for each seven-day period of sub-zero temperatures.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) determines eligibility based on postcode areas, weather station data, and qualifying benefits.
Here’s what you need to know right now:
- 441+ postcode areas in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been triggered for payment.
- The scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.
- Payments are automated and arrive within 14 working days.
- Those receiving benefits like Pension Credit and Universal Credit may qualify.
Understanding how the scheme works can ensure households do not miss out on essential winter support.
What Is the Cold Weather Payment Scheme?
The Cold Weather Payment scheme is a long-standing government support measure designed to protect low-income and vulnerable households during periods of extreme cold.
Managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it provides £25 for each seven-day period of freezing or sub-zero temperatures recorded in a specific postcode area.
The scheme typically runs between 1 November and 31 March, aligning with the coldest months of the year. Unlike discretionary grants, Cold Weather Payments are trigger-based, meaning they depend entirely on temperature data rather than applications or assessments.
“Cold Weather Payments automatically get support directly to vulnerable households when temperatures plunge,”
— UK Minister for Pensions
Payments are intended to ease the financial pressure caused by increased heating usage, particularly for those already managing limited household budgets.
Who Qualifies for Cold Weather Payments?
Eligibility for Cold Weather Payments depends on both benefit status and household circumstances. While many assume that receiving a qualifying benefit guarantees payment, eligibility rules can differ slightly depending on the type of support claimed.
Qualifying Benefits
To be considered, a household must receive at least one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
For Pension Credit claimants, eligibility is usually automatic. Other benefits may require additional conditions, such as having a young child, a disability, or a long-term health condition that limits the ability to work.
How Eligibility Differs by Benefit?
Universal Credit claimants, for example, may only qualify if neither partner is employed or classed as “gainfully self-employed” and the household includes:
- A child under five
- A disabled child
- A health condition affecting work capability
The scheme focuses on those most vulnerable to cold-related health and financial risks, ensuring support reaches households with greater heating needs.
How Are Cold Weather Payments Triggered?
Understanding how and when payments are triggered is essential to knowing whether you’re eligible for the current winter season.
Trigger Mechanism
The payment is triggered when the average temperature is 0°C or lower for seven consecutive days, as recorded or forecasted by the Met Office for each area.
The DWP uses a network of weather stations to monitor temperatures and match each postcode area to its nearest station.
Condition Description
Temperature Threshold 0°C or below for 7 days
Weather Data Source Met Office stations across the UK
Payment Trigger Frequency Each 7-day cold spell can trigger a new payment
Automatic Eligibility Check Based on benefit status and area
Once the conditions are met, a £25 payment is issued within 14 working days into the same account used for benefit payments.
“We rely on objective weather station data to ensure fairness and consistency in applying the Cold Weather Payment criteria,” stated a DWP operations manager.
Which Postcodes Are Receiving Cold Weather Payments in 2026?
The 2026 winter season has already seen over 441 postcodes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland qualify for payments due to sub-zero temperatures.
Sample Affected Postcodes by Region
Region Sample Postcodes Areas Covered
Wales CF37–CF48, NP4, NP44, LD3 Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, Brecon
England North BD1–BD22, HD3–HD9, DL4–DL17 Bradford, Huddersfield, Durham
East England CB1–CB25, CM1–CM24, SG1–SG19 Cambridge, Chelmsford, Hertfordshire
South East RH1–RH20, TN1–TN27 Redhill, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks
Northern Ireland BT1–BT17 (not confirmed yet) Belfast and surrounding regions
To check if your exact postcode has been triggered for a Cold Weather Payment, use the official government postcode checker.
How Can You Check If Your Postcode Is Eligible?
Knowing whether your area qualifies is crucial, especially during prolonged cold spells. The most reliable way to confirm eligibility is by using the official postcode checking tools.
In the middle of winter, households are advised to regularly verify their postcode status using the official Cold Weather Payment postcode checker on the government website, which provides up-to-date information linked to temperature data and payment triggers.
This tool allows claimants to:
- Enter their postcode
- See whether a payment has been triggered
- Check the dates of qualifying cold periods
Because payments are automatic, checking eligibility is mainly about peace of mind rather than the application.
When Will You Receive the Cold Weather Payment?
Once the trigger conditions are met, payment is issued automatically. There’s no need to apply, but it’s essential to ensure your benefit claim details are accurate.
Payment Detail Explanation
Payment Amount £25 per 7-day period of cold weather
Disbursement Timeframe Within 14 working days of trigger
Payment Method Direct into bank account linked to benefit
Payment Reference Usually appears as ‘DWP CWP’
If you’ve recently had a child under five or moved house, inform your Jobcentre Plus to ensure records are up to date.
Cold Weather Payment vs Winter Fuel Payment – What’s the Difference?
While both schemes help with winter heating costs, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility rules.
Feature Cold Weather Payment Winter Fuel Payment
Trigger Condition 7 days of 0°C or below Age-based (born before 25 Sep 1958)
Amount £25 per cold week £250 to £600 (annual)
Eligibility Means-tested benefits Age + residency criteria
Frequency Multiple times per winter Once per winter
Area England, Wales, N. Ireland UK-wide (Scotland included)
Notably, Scotland no longer uses the Cold Weather Payment. Instead, eligible Scottish households receive a Winter Heating Payment, typically £55.05 regardless of temperature.
What To Do If You Think You Missed a Payment?
If you live in a postcode area where payments have been triggered but haven’t received your money, here’s what you should do:
- Double-check your eligibility via the official postcode checker.
- Contact your Jobcentre Plus or Universal Credit service centre.
- Ensure your benefit records are up to date, particularly regarding household changes.
- Appeal the decision through the DWP if you believe there’s been an error.
Common reasons for missing payments include:
- Recent changes in address or benefits
- Delays in the benefit system updating household data
- Claimant not meeting full eligibility despite being on a qualifying benefit
Appeals are possible if claimants believe the temperature assessment does not reflect local conditions.
Conclusion
The Cold Weather Payment scheme is a critical financial lifeline during the UK’s harshest winter months. With sub-zero temperatures affecting hundreds of postcode areas, it’s vital for eligible households to understand:
- Who qualifies based on benefit status
- How and when payments are triggered
- Where to check if your area is included
- What to do if your payment hasn’t arrived
Staying informed and checking your eligibility regularly can ensure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to this winter.
FAQs About Cold Weather Payments
How often can Cold Weather Payments be triggered?
There is no limit. A payment is triggered every time there’s a seven-day period of freezing temperatures, so you could receive multiple £25 payments during a long cold spell.
Can working people on Universal Credit receive Cold Weather Payments?
Yes, but only if they’re not gainfully employed and meet other conditions, such as caring for a child under 5 or disabled child.
Are Cold Weather Payments taxed?
No, they are completely tax-free and do not affect any other benefits you receive.
What if the Met Office temperature reading doesn’t match local weather?
The DWP uses designated weather stations. If you believe your area is colder than reported, you can appeal to the DWP but payment is based on official readings only.
Will I still get the payment if I recently moved?
Only if your benefit records are updated with your new postcode. Notify your benefit provider immediately after moving.
Do Cold Weather Payments affect other benefits?
No. These payments are separate and have no impact on the amount of other benefits you’re entitled to.
Can I get both Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility for both schemes, you can receive both payments during the same winter period.
