£1.5 million households receive Cold Weather Payment

Almost 1.5 million households have received a £25 Cold Weather Payment since December 2025.

This winter over £35 million has been paid to vulnerable households across England and Wales this winter.

Those eligible include low-income pensioners and families with young children.

Cold Weather Payments are made automatically when temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. Those receiving Pension Credit automatically qualify for the payments, but some households in receipt of other support - including Universal Credit and Income Support - may also be eligible if they meet additional criteria.

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."