Cold Weather Payment
You could be entitled to extra support to keep warm following the recent cold snap.
The recent sub-zero weather means households across the region could be entitled to cold weather payments and additional support to keep warm.
In response to the cold weather, the council is reminding households that they could be eligible to receive £25 for each seven-day period of “very cold weather” between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
A period of very cold weather is defined as an average of: “zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days”, with the Department for Work and Pensions saying this has recently been triggered in areas across the South West.
The payments are made automatically to vulnerable people – including pensioners – to help them pay for heating when the temperature drops below freezing.
Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Governance at Mendip District Council, said: “It has certainly been a cold start to the winter and difficult for many to keep their homes warm, but additional support is available for those who might be struggling.
“Homes eligible for the £25 support should receive the money automatically based on the benefits they already receive within 14 days of the cold weather ‘trigger’. If you have not received the payment and feel that you are eligible, you should reach out to the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
“Those who aren’t eligible, but still struggling with rising costs, can look to implement free and low-cost ‘fabric first’ measures, such as better insulation, ventilation and energy-saving bulbs, which can immediately deliver a positive impact on a home’s efficiency.
“There are many free and low-cost ways to reduce bills. Be sure to visit our Somerset Energy Saver website to find out what financial assistance is available to support you through your energy-saving journey, so you can experience the long-term benefits of lower bills and a warmer home.”
To find out more and check your eligibility:
Website: GOV.UK – Cold Weather Payment
Additional support
Additional support with the cold weather and rising bills includes:
- The Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household.
- Help from the Household Support Fund, if you are eligible.
- An automatic discount on energy bills for winter 2022 to 2023 with the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
- Winter Fuel Payment – If you were born before 26 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.
If you’re keen to hear more about retrofitting your home to make it more insulated, you can contact us to register your interest for financial assistance.
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy and speak to an energy adviser on 0800 038 5730.