Cold weather payments to help most vulnerable

Photo: Wynn Matthew

The frozen, snow covered Rochdale Canal

We're now into December and as the freezing temperatures hit Britain the Government is getting ready to trigger the first Cold Weather Payments in England. The payments of £25, will provide vital reassurance to the most vulnerable households that they can afford to turn up the heating this winter.

Steve Webb Minister for Pensions said: "Winter can be a difficult time and I want to ensure the most vulnerable people know about the support that is available to them. Cold Weather Payments of £25 provide real help when the weather bites. People shouldn't have to worry about turning up the heating when temperatures plummet."

Last winter 5.2 million Cold Weather Payments were made, worth an estimated £129.2 million. People don't need to claim Cold Weather payments as they are paid automatically to those who are entitled.

Around 4 million people are potentially eligible for Cold Weather Payments and in 2010 the Department for Work and Pensions permanently increased payments to £25. Over 2 million of these are pensioners who receive Pension Credit. Payments are also made to disabled adults and children, and families with children under 5 who receive an income-related benefit.

A network of weather stations covering the whole of Great Britain gather temperature information. Cold Weather Payments are made for each 7 day period of very cold weather - if average temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees centigrade or below over 7 consecutive days.

There is a range of help available to pensioners this winter. Most will receive Winter Fuel Payments, which will be paid at the rate of £200 for households with someone aged up to 79 and £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over this winter.