28 September 2009 – Extra help for those who need it most – Cooper

Cold Weather Payments this winter will be paid at the higher rate again this year of £25 per week, up from £8.50, announced Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper.

The payments were increased last year at a time of higher fuel bills and will be maintained in order to support some of the most vulnerable families when they need it most.

Yvette Cooper said:

“Cold Weather Payments provide vital extra help at a time when people need it most. They are an important way to ensure that the poorest families aren’t hit hardest by the winter chills.”

Notes to Editors

Cold Weather Payments are paid out when the average temperature where the recipient lives is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days during the period from 1 November to 31 March.

Payments are made automatically to those who qualify. Every residential postcode in Great Britain is linked to a local weather stations used in the scheme.

All those on Pension Credit are eligible as are those on Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and have a child under 5 or get one of the following: a pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium, or enhanced pensioner premium; a disability premium or severe disability premium; a disabled child premium; or Child Tax Credit that includes an individual element for a child or qualifying young person who is disabled or severely disabled.

For more information: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Inretirement/DG_10018668

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