Government payments help keep heating on -

It is important that low income families worried about heating bills during this cold weather know government support is available.

The government has paid out around £200 million in Cold Weather Payments so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year’s weekend.

As well as the Cold Weather Payments, over 12.3 million older people will benefit from Winter Fuel payments, totalling about £2.7bn.

As the cold weather continues, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

There are two ways we are helping this winter – with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and people on low incomes across Birmingham getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25 twice so far this winter.

The payments are automatic for those on eligible benefits and it is important that people should not worry about keeping their heating on during this cold weather.

I would also encourage any constituents who are worried about the cost of heating their homes to contact the free Home Heat Helpline to find out how they can keep warm and save money on their energy bills by calling 0800 33 66 99 or visiting www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.

What are Cold Weather Payments?

For customers on a low income, a Cold Weather Payment may be available for each seven-day period at or below zero degrees Celsius.

Who can get Cold Weather Payments?

People on certain qualifying benefits are automatically eligible (see below). Eligible customers will be paid automatically and do not need to apply.
 
Pension Credit - Entitled
 
Income Support - Entitled if they receive:

• a Disability Premium,
• a Child Disability Premium
• or they have a child under 5 years.

Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance - Entitled if they receive:

• a Disability Premium,
• a Child Disability Premium
• or they have child under 5 years.

Income-related Employment Support Allowance - Entitled if they receive:

• the Support Component,
• the Work-related Activity Component,
• a Severe or Enhanced Disability Premium,
• a Pensioner Premium,
• or have a child who is disabled or a child under 5 years.

How much is a Cold Weather Payment?

This year payments are £25 per week for any seven consecutive days when the average temperature is zero degrees Celsius or below.   

How can I find out if a Cold Weather Payment has been triggered?

There is a postcode search facility at: http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/cold-weather-payment/home.asp. This will show how many payments have been triggered for that postcode.

Where can I find more information?

You can visit the Keep Warm Keep Well website for more information about what support is available and advice on how to stay well in winter by keeping warm.