The following payments are available from the Social Fund which can help towards heating:

• Cold weather payments are paid in weeks when the weather is especially cold, to people over 60 getting Pension Credit. Some younger people can also get these payments.
• Winter fuel payments are paid to most people aged 60 and over. (Winter Fuel payments are not means tested) Normally if someone is the only person aged 60 or over living in the household they will get a full payment while if there are two more people in the household they will usually receive a half payment each. If you live in multiple occupancy premises, but in self-contained accommodation and pay your own fuel bills your Winter Fuel Payment should not be reduced if you are the only person in that accommodation aged 60 or over. This applies even if others in the premises are also receiving Winter Fuel Payment in the same circumstances. Payments should be made automatically to most people but some people, for example, men of 60 - 64 not receiving Pension Credit, will need to make a claim.

For further information Contact Information and Advice.