Winter Fuel Payments

I am on a low income, and with the recent big increases in fuel prices, am really worried that I’m not going to be able to afford my gas and electricity bills this winter. What can I do?

Don’t turn off your heating or self disconnect and be cold. If you are a pensioner, you are entitled to the winter fuel payment on top of your pension. You may qualify for some extra help such as cold weather payments depending on your circumstances. Even if you are not eligible for any extra help of this kind, there may be ways to cut down on your costs by switching your gas and electricity suppliers, paying by direct debit or getting advice on fuel efficiency, including help with the costs of home improvements like insulation, a new boiler or double glazing. If you visit the CAB we can check that you are getting the correct benefits.

What is a winter fuel payment?

It is an annual tax-free payment made to people aged 60 or over. To qualify you must be 60 for at least one day during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2006/2007 is the week ending the 24th September2006.

What are cold weather payments?

Income support /pension credit and income based jobseekers allowance include an amount for fuel. However during periods of very cold weather, you may use more fuel than usual. Social fund payments are available for times that are designated periods of cold weather.

Each postcode area of the country is linked to a weather station. This sends information to the department for work and pensions. In order to qualify as a period of cold weather the weather station must either record or forecast a mean daily temperature over 7 consecutive days averaging 0 degrees Celsius or below.

You can claim such a payment if you have been awarded pension credit; income support or income based jobseekers allowance. The payment is £8.50 for each week that qualifies as a period of cold weather.

Last updated: February 22, 2007