The British government has given £ 35 million to pay for the winter of 2024–25, which has helped in over 1.4 million houses in England and Wales.
In this money, more than 9 million pounds went to people who received pension credits. The number of families receiving payment has increased from 1.2 million to 1.4 million compared to 2023–24 after 31 cold mantras.
What is the payment of cold weather?
Cold weather pays give £ 25 cash payment to qualified families when the temperature is predicted or recorded for seven days in a row to fall or fall below. If the cold magic is spreading more than seven days, recipients can receive an extra payment of £ 50 or £ 75.
These payments are released between November and March each year and are designed to cover the extra cost of heating in cold weather. If the qualified, payment is made automatically and should be displayed in the recipient’s bank account within 14 days of the cold weather.
Who is eligible for payment of cold weather?
Qualification for payment of cold weather depends on qualifying for some benefits:
- Pensioners should claim pension credit to qualify for payment.
- Working-Yu individuals must require dignified benefits, such as universal credit or job-for all formation, and additional norms related to employment, health conditions and care responsibilities for children or disabled people.
Cold Weather Payment Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Benefit Required | Additional Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Over state pension age | Pension Credit | Must be claiming Pension Credit |
| Under state pension age | Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance | Must meet specific health, employment, or caring requirements |
Effect on recipients of pension credit
A large part of the payment of cold weather has gone to the houses receiving pension credit. According to DWP data, approximately 385,000 families received payment in the winter of 2024–25, over £ 9 million.
Pension credit is designed for those who have reached state retirement age and have low income. If the grades are, individuals can receive an income statement for £ 227.10 (or £ 346.60 for joints) per week.
Changes in winter fuel payment and impact on pensioners
There have been significant changes in the winter fuel payment. Previously available to all state pensioners, payment is now prohibited for those who require some resource testing benefits as pension credit. As a result, around 10 million old British qualifying for payment in 2024 lost.
This change inspired a government’s consciousness campaign to encourage low -income pensioners to sign up for pension credit. Thanks to the campaign, another 50,000 people signed for pension creditors, marking an increase of 64% compared to the previous year.
Financial assistance for pensioners
Pensioners have also received considerable support through pension credit. Pension Minister Torsten Bell emphasized that millions of houses were supported through pension credit, payments of cold weather and other initiatives such as hot home discounts and domestic aid.
In addition, thanks to the Triple Lock system, the state pension in the current parliamentary concept is determined to increase to £ 1,900. However, many pensioners are still missing from pension credits, which can help them get out of financial difficulties.
Pension Credit Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Benefit Available |
|---|---|
| Both partners over State Pension age | Pension Credit |
| Income and savings below the threshold | Weekly income top-up |
| Less than £10,000 in savings | Possible exemption from deductions |
Further benefits for pension credit competitors
Apart from the payment of cold weather, recipients of pension credit may also be eligible:
- Free TV License if more than 75
- Hot home discount £ 150
- Free dental treatment and coupon for glasses/contact lenses
- Discount on housing costs including advice tax
- Further payments for carers, people responsible for severely disabled, or young children or disabled children
Paying cold weather provides very important financial help to the homes during the winter months, with special attention to those who require pension credit. Along with this, pensioners see different types of benefits, from winter fuel payment to a significant increase in the state pension.
DWPS ongoing efforts to raise awareness of pension credit helps to achieve the necessary financial assistance to more low -insert pensioners, especially as an increase in winter -related costs.
FAQs:
What is the Cold Weather Payment and how much is it?
The Cold Weather Payment is a £25 cash payment provided when the temperature drops to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. The payment can increase to £50 or £75 if the cold spell lasts longer.
Who qualifies for the Cold Weather Payment?
You qualify if you are over state pension age and claim Pension Credit, or if you are of working age and claim Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, meeting additional criteria like health or care responsibilities.
What other benefits can Pension Credit recipients receive?
In addition to Cold Weather Payments, Pension Credit recipients may qualify for free dental care, a Warm Home Discount, Council Tax reductions, and a free TV license if over 75.