DWP urges households to check eligibility for winter financial support

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging households to check eligibility for additional financial support available between now and the end of March.

It’s important for people in Scotland to be aware that Cold Weather Payments (£25) are no longer issued north of the border and have been replaced by the one-off Winter Heating Payment - worth £58.75 - which will be issued to an estimated 400,000 households from mid-December.Other support available includes the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme, which is paid directly to the energy supplier, Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 for people over State Pension age in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26) or Universal Credit (for mixed age couples).

Scots families of young people (under-19) on disability benefits have already started receiving this year’s Child Winter Heating Payment, which is worth £251.50.Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds said: “As we head into the winter months, I want to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are getting the support they need, and that’s why we have a range of measures targeted at helping low-income households, such as Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Homes Discount.“With the dire state of the public finances, we have had to make some tough choices, including means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment so that it goes to those most in need.

And while these choices were not made lightly, this Government is doing everything it can to ensure maximum take-up of Pension Credit while also continuing to support pensioners through our commitment to the Triple Lock which will mean an increase in the full state pension of up to £1,700 over the next 5 years.”The Household