Listen to Article
Winter fuel and cold weather payments
Cold weather payments
During a very cold winter, the costs of heating can quickly add up. If you’re receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment for each period of very cold weather in 
your area.
Winter fuel payments
If you have reached the qualifying age you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter. This can be between £125 and £400 depending on your situation.
Are you eligible?
You could get Winter Fuel Payment if both the following apply:
- you have reached the qualifying age (born on or before 5 July 1950)
- you normally live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland on any day in the week of 20–26 September 2010
You won’t qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if, during the week of 20–26 September 2010:
- you were in hospital for more than 52 weeks previously, getting free treatment as an inpatient
- you were in custody serving a court sentence
- you were subject to immigration control and did not qualify for help from the Department for Work and Pensions
- you lived in a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home (and had done so for the previous 12 weeks or more) and you were on Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Once you have qualified for a Winter Fuel Payment, you may be able to continue to receive future payments if you move to another European Economic Area country.
If you are unsure if you are eligible, please refer to the 
Winter Fuel Payment guide, visit the DirectGov website or call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 December 2010 11:29
