Overview

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest

If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you.

The payments do not affect your other benefits.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) and in an easy read format.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.

The 2023 to 2024 Cold Weather Payment scheme has now ended. The 2024 to 2025 scheme will start on 1 November 2024. You’ll be able to check if your area is due a payment in November 2024.

Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments.

If you live in Scotland

You cannot get Cold Weather Payments.

You might get an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. You’ll get this payment regardless of weather conditions in your area.

  1. Step 1 Check when you can retire

  2. and Check how much pension you could get

  3. Step 2 Increase your pension

    You might be able to increase the amount you get if you delay your pension.

    1. Find out about delaying your pension

    You might be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record (such as, from when you were not working or claiming benefits).

    1. Check if you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions

    For advice about increasing your workplace or private pension, speak to a financial adviser.

    1. Find a financial adviser through Unbiased
  4. Step 3 Check what other financial support you could get

  5. Step 4 Decide when to retire