Cold Weather Payments (CWP) were Government support payments designed to provide additional help to eligible households during periods of exceptionally cold weather.

The scheme provided direct financial assistance during winter periods where local temperatures reached qualifying thresholds.

Unlike energy grant schemes that fund heating or insulation improvements, Cold Weather Payments were intended to provide short-term financial support during severe weather conditions.

Separate winter support arrangements now operate across different parts of the UK.

What Support Did The Scheme Provide?

Cold Weather Payments provided direct financial assistance rather than home energy improvements.

Support previously included:

  • A £25 payment for each qualifying period of severe cold weather
  • Automatic payments linked to benefit entitlement
  • Payments made directly into the same account used for benefits
  • Support that did not affect other benefit entitlements

Payment amounts depended on local weather data and qualifying conditions.

Who Previously Qualified?

Households could qualify if certain benefits were received alongside additional conditions.

Examples included:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit under qualifying circumstances

Additional criteria could include:

  • Young children in the household
  • Disability-related support
  • Pension-age eligibility

How The Process Worked

Step 1 – Eligibility Review

Benefit information and household circumstances were assessed through Government records.

Step 2 – Weather Monitoring

Local weather stations monitored temperatures in postcode areas.

Step 3 – Qualifying Weather Period

Payments could be triggered where temperatures met the required threshold over a qualifying period.

Step 4 – Automatic Payment

Where conditions and eligibility requirements were met, payments were made automatically.

No separate application process was usually required.

Additional Information

  • Payments operated automatically
  • Support was linked to qualifying benefits and weather conditions
  • Local weather station data affected payment eligibility
  • Separate winter support arrangements operate across different UK nations

Need Information On Current Grants & Winter Support?

Energy and winter support schemes regularly change and can vary by region.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants and available support routes that may apply to your household and property circumstances.

Available support and eligibility criteria can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.