The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced an increase in Cold Weather Payments to £50 for residents in 31 designated postcodes, as the UK faces a severe winter weather event. This increase applies to each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
If you qualify for a Cold Weather Payment but have not received it, you should notify the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus immediately. Universal Credit recipients can log into their online accounts and add a note to their journal. Those without online access can contact the Universal Credit helpline; the number is available on your Universal Credit correspondence.
It is also important to inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you are admitted to hospital, as this may impact your eligibility for payments. Eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically, typically within 14 working days of the cold spell, directly into the bank account used for benefit payments. Payments will reference “DWP CWP”.