Cold weather payment problems for Stockton South

The recent cold snap has highlighted the issue of pensioners and others on low incomes who are wary to turn up the heating to keep warm because of costs and so are at risk of hypothermia.

The current system for cold weather payments is complicated. The £25 a week payments are issued automatically when temperatures are below zero for 7 consecutive days. However, they go unclaimed by as many as 1.7 million in the UK and 2,500 in the Stockton South area who may be entitled to them.

To get the payments you need to be on Income Support or Pension Credit but many people, particularly pensioners do not claim these benefits. In addition many people fail to claim passport benefits to Pension Credit like Attendance Allowance. The claims system is complicated. This is why Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, is calling for a simpler system without all the form filling.

Its important to make claim to the benefits you deserve and are entitled to. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau / Department of Work and Pensions Office can assist in making sure that you have the correct benefits.