Find out if you're entitled to the Cold Weather Payment

11.56.38am GMT Fri 15th Jan 2010

Many people may not realise they are elligible for help with heating bills during the recent cold weather

Charity Age Concern Oxfordshire has joined forces with Oxfordshire County Council to urge those who think they may be entitled to the central government Cold Weather Payment to find out more and claim money that is available to them. The £25 payments are automatically distributed when the average temperature is, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below, for a period of seven consecutive days where a recipient lives to those who fulfil certain criteria.

Many parts of Oxfordshire have experienced such a scenario three times since November 1, the date from which the payments are applicable. The money is designed to assist people during prolonged periods of cold weather.

Am I entitled to the payment?

To qualify for the money a person must be receiving:

• Pension Credit

OR

• Income Support; or

• Jobseekers' Allowance (Income based); or

• Employment and Support Allowance (Income related) for one day in the period of cold weather

AND one of the following:

• A relevant pensioner or disability premium

• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

• A child under five

• An applicable amount of Employment and Support Allowance that includes either the support component or the work-related activity component

Those who think they may be eligible are asked to contact their pension centre or Jobcentre Plus for more information. Cold Weather Payments do not affect any other benefits that people may be receiving.

The council and Age Concern Oxfordshire came together last week to issue guidance and support information to help residents look out for neighbours who may need assistance during the cold snap.

Paul Cann, Chief Executive of Age Concern Oxfordshire, said: "As the freeze drags on and we use up our food it is vital people do not feel they have to choose between heating and eating. People should claim the cold weather payments or other benefits and grants that they are entitled to. Let's look out for each other and I'm sure that the brilliant neighbourliness in Oxfordshire will continue."

John Jackson, Oxfordshire County Council's Director for Social and Community Services, said: "Many people may be unaware of the money that is available to them and I would like to encourage people who feel that they could be eligible for it to get in contact with their pension centre or JobCentre Plus to find our more."

He added: "There is no need to register and the money is automatically distributed once it is determined that individuals qualify to receive the payment. It is intended to go towards assisting people deal with issues including heating costs during periods of cold weather, such as the one that much of the country is currently experiencing."