The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant details regarding its Cold Weather Payment for the 2024-25 winter season. The government has disbursed a total of £35 million in support, which has benefitted over 1.4 million households in England and Wales.
This funding includes more than £9 million directed specifically towards those receiving Pension Credit. Compared to the 2023-24 period, the number of payments has increased from 1.2 million to 1.4 million after 31 qualifying cold weather periods.
What Is the Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment provides a £25 cash payment to eligible households when temperatures are forecast or recorded to drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for a minimum of seven consecutive days. If the cold spell extends beyond seven days, recipients could receive additional payments of £50 or £75.
These payments are issued between November and March each year and are designed to help cover the added costs of heating during colder weather. If eligible, payments are made automatically and should appear in the recipient’s bank account within 14 days of the cold weather event.
Who Is Eligible for Cold Weather Payments?
Eligibility for the Cold Weather Payment depends on whether you qualify for certain benefits:
- Pensioners must claim Pension Credit to qualify for the payment.
- Working-age individuals need to be claiming qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, and must meet additional criteria concerning employment, health conditions, and caring responsibilities for children or disabled individuals.
Cold Weather Payment Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Benefit Required | Additional Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Over state pension age | Pension Credit | Must be claiming Pension Credit |
| Under state pension age | Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance | Must meet specific health, employment, or caring requirements |
Impact on Pension Credit Recipients
A large portion of the Cold Weather Payments has gone to households receiving Pension Credit. According to the DWP data, approximately 385,000 households received payments in the 2024-25 winter, totaling over £9 million.
Pension Credit is designed for people who have reached state pension age and are on a low income. If eligible, individuals may receive an income top-up to £227.10 per week (or £346.60 for couples).
Changes to Winter Fuel Payment and Impact on Pensioners
The Winter Fuel Payment has undergone significant changes. Previously available to all state pensioners, the payment is now restricted to those who claim certain means-tested benefits, like Pension Credit. As a result, around 10 million older Brits lost their entitlement to the payment in 2024.
This change prompted a government awareness campaign to encourage low-income pensioners to sign up for Pension Credit. Thanks to the campaign, an additional 50,000 people signed up for Pension Credit, marking a 64% increase compared to the previous year.
Financial Support for Pensioners
Pensioners have also received significant support through Pension Credit. The Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, emphasized that millions of households were supported through Pension Credit, Cold Weather Payments, and other initiatives such as the Warm Home Discount and the Household Support Fund.
Additionally, the State Pension is set to increase by up to £1,900 over the current parliamentary term, thanks to the Triple Lock system. However, many pensioners are still missing out on Pension Credit, which could help lift them out of financial hardship.
Pension Credit Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Benefit Available |
|---|---|
| Both partners over State Pension age | Pension Credit |
| Income and savings below the threshold | Weekly income top-up |
| Less than £10,000 in savings | Possible exemption from deductions |
Additional Benefits for Pension Credit Claimants
In addition to Cold Weather Payments, Pension Credit recipients may also qualify for:
- Free TV license if over 75
- Warm Home Discount worth £150
- Free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses/contact lenses
- Discounts on housing costs, including Council Tax
- Additional payments for carers, severely disabled individuals, or those responsible for young children or disabled children
The Cold Weather Payment continues to provide much-needed financial support to households during the winter months, with a special focus on those claiming Pension Credit. Alongside this, pensioners are seeing a variety of benefits, from Winter Fuel Payments to significant increases in the State Pension.
The DWP’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Pension Credit are helping more low-income pensioners access essential financial support, particularly as winter-related costs rise.
FAQs
What is the Cold Weather Payment and how much is it?
The Cold Weather Payment is a £25 cash payment provided when the temperature drops to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. The payment can increase to £50 or £75 if the cold spell lasts longer.
Who qualifies for the Cold Weather Payment?
You qualify if you are over state pension age and claim Pension Credit, or if you are of working age and claim Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, meeting additional criteria like health or care responsibilities.
What other benefits can Pension Credit recipients receive?
In addition to Cold Weather Payments, Pension Credit recipients may qualify for free dental care, a Warm Home Discount, Council Tax reductions, and a free TV license if over 75.