Northern Ireland has no Warm Home Discount, so this and the Affordable Warmth Scheme matter more here.
Quick facts
- Amount
- £25 for each seven days of very cold weather
- Season
- 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Trigger
- An average of 0°C or below over seven days
- Paid
- Within 14 working days, automatically
- Benefits
- Pension Credit, some ESA, some Universal Credit, SMI
How it works
A payment is made when the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees or below for seven days in a row. You get £25 for each of those periods between 1 November and 31 March, within 14 working days.
Who gets it
- Pension Credit: you will usually get it
- Income-related ESA: if you are in the work-related activity group or the support group, or have certain premiums or a young or disabled child
- Universal Credit: if no adult on your claim works, and you have limited capability for work or a child under five
- Support for Mortgage Interest: if you have certain premiums or a young or disabled child
Do you need to apply?
No. You do not need to apply: if you are eligible, it is paid into the account your benefits go to. You will not be asked for bank details by text or email, so treat any such message as a scam.
Common questions
How much is the Cold Weather Payment in Northern Ireland?
£25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
Do I need to apply for the Cold Weather Payment?
No. It is paid automatically if you are eligible.
When does the 2026/27 Cold Weather Payment scheme run?
From 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Can I get the Cold Weather Payment on Universal Credit?
Usually, if no adult on your claim works and you have limited capability for work or a child under five.