In this section you will find answers to the following questions:

  • What are Cold Weather Payments?
  • Who can claim?
  • What if I live in a care home?

What are Cold Weather Payments?

Cold Weather Payments help pay heating costs during periods of extremely cold weather.

Who can claim?

You are entitled to claim the £25 tax-free benefit for a week if:

  • The average temperature in your area is zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days between November 1 and March 31
  • You have a long-term illness or are disabled
  • You are receiving a pensioner (or disability) premium on one of the affected days
  • You have been awarded pension credit for at least one of the affected days

What if I live in a care home?

If you live in a care home you will not be able to claim Cold Weather Payments.