The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it is maintaining its commitment to helping vulnerable customers heat their homes during the cold weather. It is therefore continuing its Cold Weather Payments, which provide £25 towards eligible customers' heating costs during each seven-day period of very cold weather.

There is no need to claim; eligible customers are paid automatically. (This payment is over and above Winter Fuel Payments made to those over 60.)

For more information, please read their frequently asked questions document (pdf, 41.1Kb), or visit the DirectGov website, which contains a useful postcode search facility.