The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new update on the Cold Weather Payment. The department revealed that it had made 1.4 million payments worth around £35million this winter to people in England and Wales.
Cold Weather Payments are issued to vulnerable households when the average temperature in their local area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. Those eligible received £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31. Of those who received a Cold Weather Payment, 385,000 also received Pension Credit – equating to around £9million.
It comes as the Government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to around 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “We supported millions of households this winter through Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments, alongside extending the Household Support Fund and the Warm Home Discount.
“For pensioners, this will have come on top of the state pension, which is set to increase by up to £1,900 over this parliament for millions, thanks to our commitment to the Triple Lock. “
Pensioners who receive Pension Credit automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments. This comes alongside extra support available, such as the Household Support Fund, which was extended from April 1, 2025, until March 31, 2026.
This fund provides support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating, and bills, and people are urged to contact their local councils to find out what they qualify for.
Councils offer varying support based on their constituents’ needs. For example, Blackpool Council offered residents up to £300 in energy and water support, while Manchester City Council offered up to £200 to eligible households to help with living costs.
To find out which council they fall under, people can use this postcode checker.
