Cold Weather Payment 2025 to 2026

A clear guide for people with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) Facial Pain

By Aneeta Prem MBE

Cold air and sudden temperature drops can be brutal if you live with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or facial pain. Warmth does not cure TN, but many people find that cold conditions can trigger or worsen attacks when the nerve is already sensitised. That makes winter heating a practical, day to day health need, not a luxury.

If you are on a low income and receive certain benefits, the Cold Weather Payment can provide extra money automatically during periods of very cold weather.

What is the Cold Weather Payment?

The Cold Weather Payment is £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather in your local area. A payment is triggered if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for 7 consecutive days. GOV.UK+1

The scheme runs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026. GOV.UK+1

Scotland is different

In Scotland, Cold Weather Payment has been replaced by Winter Heating Payment, which is a separate Scottish benefit. Social Security Scotland+1

Who can get it?

You may qualify if you receive certain income related benefits (the rules vary by benefit and household circumstances). Official eligibility is set out by government guidance. GOV.UK

If you are unsure, use the official postcode checkers:

England and Wales postcode checker (official): GOV.UK
Northern Ireland guidance and checker (official): nidirect

If you qualify, you do not apply. It is automatic. GOV.UK

When and how you are paid

If your area meets the temperature trigger and you are eligible, you should receive the payment within 14 working days. It is paid into the same account as your usual benefit. GOV.UK

Why this matters for TN and facial pain

TN pain is neurological, but it is also practical. Many people report that cold wind on the face, cold rooms, and sudden temperature change can set off severe pain, increase sensitivity, and make everyday tasks harder.

This is why heating support matters for TN:

Keeping the home consistently warm can reduce exposure to common cold triggers
Warmth can support sleep and recovery when pain is flaring
avoiding repeated cold shocks (for example, moving between rooms) can make daily life more manageable

This is not about promising symptom relief. It is about reducing avoidable stressors in a condition where small stimuli can have outsized effects.

What to do now

Check your postcode trigger status using the official checker for your nation. GOV.UK+1
Make sure your benefit details and bank account details are up to date so payments are not delayed. (Your Jobcentre Plus office, Pension Service, or relevant benefits office can advise.) GOV.UK
If you believe you qualify but do not receive a payment after a trigger period, contact the office that pays your benefit.

Other help with heating costs (worth knowing)

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill for eligible households. It is usually applied automatically by your supplier. GOV.UK+1

There is also an official annual eligibility statement for England and Wales for the 2025 to 2026 scheme year, including the qualifying date used for data matching. GOV.UK

Scotland: Winter Heating Payment Cold Weather Payment 2025 to 2026

If you live in Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment is the relevant scheme rather than Cold Weather Payment. Social Security Scotland+1

For Help and Support, please email our helpline at [email protected] or call 08009991899 option 1. One of our excellent trained experts will be happy to support you