Cold Weather Payment - Are You Eligible? UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 10 Jan 2009 - 0:00 PST

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Many people on low incomes are set to get extra help to pay bills during the freezing weather after a number of local weather stations have recorded or predicted seven consecutive days of sub-zero temperatures.

Anyone in receipt of disability related Income Support will automatically receive a £25 Cold Weather Payment if they live in an affected area, but the MS Society would like to see the payment extended to a wider group of people.

Dan Berry, Head of Policy and Campaigns, said: "Living with any disability can be expensive but it's especially true of MS. Symptoms made worse by the cold can include muscle stiffness and spasms - it's simply not an option for people to turn off the heating.

"People with MS spend longer at home because they're less likely to work, less likely to get out and about and as a result they're much more susceptible to higher fuel costs."

For more information on whether you are eligible, have a look at the job centre online.

Many disabled people will also receive an additional payment of £60 on top of the usual £10 Christmas Bonus. Anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, or Long term Incapacity Benefit (among others) will be eligible for the payment, which they will receive between January and March 2009.

You don't need to claim Christmas Bonus or the £60 payment - you'll get it automatically. For more information see more on the government's online information.

MS Society