Colder weather is approaching the UK, with the Met Office issuing six weather alerts for tonight and tomorrow due to expected snow and ice. As temperatures drop, many households will need to turn on their heating to stay warm, but rising energy bills have made this a costly challenge for many families.
To support those facing financial difficulties during cold spells, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides Cold Weather Payments. These payments are worth £25 and are issued automatically when the average temperature in a region stays at or below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days.
The DWP explains: “You’ll receive a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.”
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These payments aim to help vulnerable households cope with the extra costs of heating during particularly cold weather. The assistance is targeted at recipients of certain qualifying benefits, ensuring financial support reaches those who need it most.
Meteorologists predict temperatures could fall to zero or even minus one degrees Celsius from Wednesday night into Thursday, potentially triggering these Cold Weather Payments soon.