Around 105 additional households could become eligible for Jersey’s Cold Weather Bonus under proposed changes to the scheme, with an estimated extra cost of up to £21,000.
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar has lodged plans to extend eligibility for the payment to people with significant care needs, including those receiving the Long-Term Care benefit.
The proposed changes would amend the existing rules governing cold weather payments, which help eligible Income Support households meet heating costs during the colder months.
Under the current criteria, qualifying households must include someone aged under three or over 65, a person meeting specified personal care criteria, a child entitled to a particular level of personal care support, or someone receiving long-term incapacity allowance assessed at 100%.
The proposed amendments would widen the criteria to include adults entitled to the flexible personal care element of the impairment component, as well as people receiving Long-Term Care benefit who do not live in an approved care home.
The changes are intended to bring the legislation into line with the way Income Support claims are already being administered.
According to the proposition, there would be no reduction in Income Support payments as a result of the changes, while some households would benefit from the expanded eligibility.
The additional cost is estimated at up to £21,000, which the minister said would have no material impact on the Income Support budget. No additional staffing resources would be required.
The proposed regulations also set out a Cold Weather Bonus rate of £245.80 for the period between October 2026 to April 2027, with future rates adjusted in line with changes to the fuel and light category of Jersey’s Retail Prices Index.
The proposition is due to be debated by the States Assembly on 8 December.
If approved, the amendments would come into force the day after the regulations are made.
