Winter fuel payment triggered for strath after cold spell at end of 2021
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The first winter fuel payments for the strath were triggered at the end of last year.
Most eligible households in Badenoch and Strathspey will receive the automatic £25 bank top-up.
Postcodes PH19 to PH26 will receive the financial boost after the cold spell which ran from December 21 to 27.
The payments are triggered to eligible households when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible person’s postcode.
The UK Government paid out almost £100 million in Cold Weather Payments last year between 1 November 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Department for Work and Pensions Lords Minister Baroness Stedman-Scott said: “These additional payments provide support every year to help people experiencing the coldest weather, without anyone needing to lift a finger.
“Cold Weather Payments can be triggered right through to the end of March, giving people facing disproportionately cold weather that extra reassurance over the chillier months.”
Braemar, Aboyne and many Inverness-shire postcodes household will also receive the payment.
People receiving benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit are encouraged to check DWP’s online postcode checker, to see if they’re in scope for a top-up when the temperatures drop.
Those eligible do not need to take any action as payments are made automatically but anyone who is in scope who does not receive a payment when temperatures drop should inform their pension centre or Jobcentre Plus who will be able to help.
Cold weather payments do not affect other benefits.
Find out more about eligibility here
