The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to provide state pensioners with two benefit payments this winter, estimated at £175 following the cut of the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
DWP to Offer Additional Support to State Pensioners This Winter
State pensioners are set to receive the Cold Weather Payment, along with the Warm Home Discount provided by the DWP
You may qualify for a £25 Cold Weather Payment if you’re currently receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest, as reported by the Birmingham Live.
You’ll typically receive Cold Weather Payments if you get Pension Credit too. You’ll be eligible for a payment if the prevailing temperature in your region is forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius or lower 7 for a period of seven days.
You will get £25 for each seven-day period of extremely cold weather between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The Warm Home Discount offers a one-off £150 discount on your electric bill payment. However, the money is not given directly to you; rather, it is added to your electricity bill by your supplier. The scheme's eligibility changes according to your location.
Eligibility Criteria for Energy Discounts in England, Wales, and Scotland
If you reside in England and Wales, you may qualify for the Guarantee Credit component of Pension Credit or have a low income and high energy bills.
If you live in Scotland, you are eligible if you receive the Guarantee Credit component of Pension Credit or make small earnings, and fulfil your energy supplier's eligibility criteria for the scheme.
If you qualify, the discount will be provided automatically. You will only need to submit an application if you have a low income in Scotland.
The discount is also valid if you use a prepayment meter. In this situation, your power supplier can show you how to get the discount if you are eligible; you may for instance get a voucher that can be used to refill your meter.