Those on certain benefits and Pension Credits receive an extra £25 a week during periods of very cold weather. To ‘trigger’ the payments the average temperature locally must be recorded or forecast to be at zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days. The Coalition Government has permanently set this extra cash at £25 per week, up from £8.50 under the previous Labour Government.
Speaking from Westminster, Mike Freer MP, said “It’s been freezing or below since the 30 January, cold enough to trigger these payments. Thanks to a decision by the Government the most vulnerable in our society will now receive extra help meeting their heating costs at this time. This extra money makes a real difference to those on low incomes, particularly pensioners.
I’d urge people to look out for their neighbours at this time and do their best to keep the roads clear.”
Cold Weather Payments will be paid automatically to those entitled to them. If people think they may be entitled to them but do not receive a payment they should contact the Pension, Disability and Carers Service, or Jobcentre Plus. Payments are made from the Social Fund to certain recipients of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit.