Cold Weather Payment, USA News: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to launch new payments starting Sunday. The DWP’s Cold Weather Payment scheme reopens on November 1, potentially providing extra financial support to eligible claimants. From that date, qualifying households could receive £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature in their area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below.
During last winter, almost 1.5 million households across England and Wales had received a Cold Weather Payment by mid-February, with payments triggered in areas including West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Wales.
Scam Warnings Issued for Claimants
Tom Rogers, Home Expert at Manage At Home, told claimants to be vigilant due to possible scams trying to catch people out. He noted that households looking for help with winter heating costs might be vulnerable to messages promising payments, making it essential for pensioners or benefit recipients to stay alert. He warned that AI can help criminals produce convincing messages and websites, meaning correct spelling, professional wording, and familiar branding should never be taken as proof of authenticity.
Crucially, Mr Rogers stressed that Cold Weather Payments are made automatically to eligible households. Claimants do not need to follow a link in a text, pay a fee, or complete an application to release the money.
Eligibility and Scheme Dates
The scheme runs from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Government guidance explains that people receiving Pension Credit usually qualify, while some households receiving Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify depending on their circumstances.
Receiving Universal Credit alone does not guarantee eligibility, as additional conditions apply regarding work, limited capability for work, and children in the household. Mr Rogers also warned against fraudulent ‘last chance’ deadlines and threats of losing payments, adding that suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726.
