Close to 1.5 million households throughout England and Wales have received Cold Weather Payments during this winter season, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed.
Under the initiative, eligible households who are on low income receive £25 for every seven-day period they experience sub-zero temperatures to help towards their energy bills.
It should be noted that Cold Weather Payments are only triggered automatically whenever temperatures remain at freezing point or below for a full week, with some households previously getting up to £75 after experiencing three weeks of very cold weather.
Those already claiming Pension Credit receive the money without needing to apply, while recipients of universal credit and income support may also qualify if they satisfy further requirements.
Nearly 1.5 million households have claimed Cold Weather Payments this winter
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GETTYWork and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described Cold Weather Payments as being a “a lifeline for vulnerable households when temperatures plummet”.
Those who state pension age who are struggling financially can apply for Pension Credit from the DWP, which provides approximately £86 weekly on average.
Beyond the direct financial boost, pension credit opens doors to a range of additional assistance programmes.
Recipients gain access to support covering housing expenses and complimentary NHS dental care.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden
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GB NewsThe Cold Weather Payment Scheme runs each year from November 1 to March 31 | PA
Charities working with older people have emphasised the importance of ensuring this financial assistance reaches those most in need.
Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, said: “With more than half of older people on low incomes across England and Wales regularly sharing that they are worried about meeting the cost of their heating bill, it is crucial that vital support like this reaches those who need it most.”
Age UK has launched its crisis hiding in plain sight campaign, encouraging pensioners with limited means to investigate whether they might be entitled to Pension Credit.
The charity noted that numerous older people fail to claim available financial support because they presume they will not meet eligibility criteria or feel overwhelmed by application processes.
Billions of pounds in Pension Credit goes unclaimed each year | GETTY
Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK, said: “During this cold snap, it’s vital for older people to stay warm and well in their homes.”
She highlighted how rising prices for energy, food and rent have severely affected living standards over the past four years, with the charity continuing to hear distressing accounts of pensioners taking extreme measures to manage their finances.
“For those who rely on the state pension as their main source of income, Pension Credit can make a real difference,” she added, urging anyone cutting back on essentials to contact Age UK for guidance.
The charity’s national advice line assisted over 6,000 older people with benefit enquiries last year, uncovering more than £36 million in available support.