Close to 1.5 million households across England and Wales have received £25 Cold Weather Payments this winter, with total support exceeding £35million since December, the Government has announced.
The payments are triggered automatically when temperatures fall to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days in a local area, meaning eligible households do not need to apply.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “This support is a lifeline for vulnerable households when temperatures plummet.”
Mr McFadden added: “Combined with our wider cost of living support including a higher National Living Wage, £150 off energy bills, and a £300 Winter Fuel Payment for over nine million pensioners – these measures are making a real difference to households across the country.”
Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said: “Almost 1.5 million households have already benefited from Cold Weather Payments this winter, with support reaching those who need it most.”
Anyone receiving Pension Credit qualifies automatically for Cold Weather Payments during the scheme’s operating period, which runs from November to the end of March.
Households claiming Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify if they meet additional criteria.
These conditions can relate to employment status, disability, health issues or responsibility for young or disabled children.
Payments are triggered automatically when temperatures fall to zero degrees
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Once a cold weather trigger is recorded for a postcode area, payments are made into eligible recipients’ bank accounts within 14 working days.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme forms part of a broader package of support aimed at helping households manage higher living costs.
Ministers have confirmed a £150 reduction in energy bills and a £300 Winter Fuel Payment for more than nine million pensioners this winter.
The national living wage has also been increased, and the Government has removed the two-child limit on benefits.
Under the Government’s Triple Lock commitment, millions of pensioners are expected to see their state pension rise by up to £2,100 over the course of this Parliament.
Anyone receiving Pension Credit qualifies automatically for Cold Weather Payments
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There has also been a renewed effort to increase take-up of Pension Credit, which is worth an average of £86 a week and can unlock access to further support.
Claimants may also become eligible for help with housing costs and free NHS dental treatment.
Age UK has urged older people on modest incomes to check whether they may be entitled to Pension Credit as part of its “crisis hiding in plain sight” campaign.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “During this cold snap, it is vital for older people to stay warm and well in their homes.
“For those who rely on the state pension as their main source of income, pension credit can make a real difference.”
The charity’s national advice line supported more than 6,000 older people with benefit checks last year and identified over £36million in financial support they were entitled to claim.