A Cold Weather payment of £25 is made to those who receive certain means-tested benefits, including Pension Credit, when the average temperature at specified weather stations is recorded at or is forecast to be 0C (32F) or lower for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31.
When a payment is due after a cold snap, the £25 should be paid automatically at the same time as other benefits.
The Government says that it has already paid out £172 million this winter to 3.5 million recipients.
Payments have been triggered three times this winter in the Colchester area. If you think you may be due a payment, but have not yet had the money, contact Age Concern Colchester, your pensions or benefits office or Jobcentre.
'At this time of year it is vital to check you are claiming all your entitlements.' Households with a person aged 60 or over on or before September 27, 2009 should have received their Winter Fuel Allowance for the 2009-2010 tax year. This non-means tested benefit is worth at least £250 per household.
The cash is split equally between the two partners where there are two qualifying individuals within the home, for example a pensioner couple.
Households with someone aged over 80 receive at least £400. People who are newly eligible this winter and who need to claim can get an application form at direct.gov.uk/winterfuel or by calling 0845 915 1515.
Age Concern Colchester can be contacted on 01206 368420.
Alternatively, Age Concern England and Help the Aged also has a free phone helpline on 0800 009 966 which provides advice on what benefits you may be entitled to.
Link to 'Be Warm - Be Safe' Campaign
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