You are one step away from claiming Cold Weather Payment. Check the eligibility criteria and the documents you will need so you can claim without delays.
Check each condition below before you claim. Having your documents ready means fewer delays.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, a free benefits calculator can give you an estimate in minutes.
Clear criteria, faster claim
Automatic£25 per cold spellWinter only
📋 Who can claim
- 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.
🧮 Before you claim
- Read the eligibility rules on the official page.
- Gather your National Insurance number and bank details.
- Have information about your income, savings and household ready.
✅ Good to know
- Paid per cold spell: You can get several payments in one winter.
- Does not affect benefits: It does not reduce your other benefits.
- Postcode based: Payments are triggered by weather stations linked to your postcode.
Eligibility and the amount awarded are decided by DWP based on your circumstances.