There are three main benefits which are designed specifically to help people pay electricity and gas bills:
This is a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. It does not affect any other benefits received and it does not count as taxable income.
There is no means-test. This is a universal benefit for all who qualify on age grounds. For winter 2020/21, all people born on or before 5 October 1954 qualify.
Due to our ageing population and the increases in State pension age, the Winter Fuel Payment now kicks in at an older age than previously.
Most payments are made between 1 November and Christmas. A letter is sent beforehand giving the estimated payment date. Payment is into the customer's bank account.
Most payments are made automatically. However, if you do not receive any social security benefits nor the State Retirement Pension, or receives only Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, you must make an application when first reaching the qualifying age.
For further information, please visit the winter fuel payment page or phone 03459 15 15 15.
These are payments of £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. The trigger is an average temperature of zero Celsius or below in the area for seven days in a row. These payments do not affect any other benefits received.
Cold Weather Payments are paid to people on certain benefits. Most people on Pension Credit qualify, as do those on Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit provided other additional criteria apply.
Payments are made into the customer's bank account no more than two weeks after the period of cold weather. If someone is due a Cold Weather Payment, it will be paid automatically.
For further information, please visit the cold weather payment page or phone your local DWP office.
Home Energy Advice Team
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: fuelenergyadvice@clacks.gov.uk