Before you start your claim for Cold Weather Payment, make sure you have everything to hand. These are the main requirements and the step-by-step guide to claiming through the official channel.
Check eligibility on the official page →
Read the requirements and steps below first, so you can make your claim on the official page in one go.
Claiming is always free. Never pay anyone to make a claim for you.
Documents ready = faster claim
Automatic£25 per cold spellWinter only
📋 Requirements
- Qualifying benefit: You must get a qualifying benefit.
- Extra conditions: On Universal Credit, you usually also need a disability element, a child under 5 or a disabled child.
- Location: You must live in an area where a cold weather period is triggered.
- Not in a care home: Some care home residents do not qualify.
🚀 How to claim, step by step
- Check you get a qualifying benefit
- Check your postcode for cold weather periods on GOV.UK
- Payments are made automatically within 14 working days
- Contact your pension or Jobcentre office if you think you've missed one
Eligibility and the amount awarded are decided by DWP based on your circumstances.
Start your claim on the official page →
General information only. We are not part of the government. Claiming is free on the official page — you never need to pay anyone to claim.