HELPING HAND
Over one thousand pensioners missing out on winter fuel payment to get cash help worth £100s
Watch our video to find out if you can get cash help
HUNDREDS of pensioners who will miss out on the winter fuel payment can now apply for cash help worth hundreds of pounds.
Around 10million pensioners will no longer get the payment worth up to £300 after chancellor Rachel Reeves changed the rules for qualifying.
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From this winter, the payment will be limited to people receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.
As a result, households are looking for ways to get support with essential costs, like energy bills, throughout the winter.
Some will be able to access help through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The pot of money has been shared between councils in England who then decide how to distribute it and who is eligible for support.
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That means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live and it can be a bit of a postcode lottery.
The current round of support, worth £421million, is coming to an end on September 30.
But the scheme is being extended until Spring next year, with a further £421million being distributed to authorities across the country.
Milton Keynes council has revealed that it will be offering energy vouchers to struggling households from October.
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It said that it will decide on eligibility on a "case by case" basis, but people who are just missing out on eligibility for the winter fuel payment will receive help worth up to £300.
Those whose local authority is Milton Keynes and meet any of the following criteria will be contacted about accessing the support:
Could you be eligible for Pension Credit?
- Local people who are already in financial difficulty
- Those who fall out of eligibility for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment
It added that anyone in financial crisis can approach the council for help with the cost of food, energy and essentials.
The Council said it expects around 1,400 pensioners to be eligible.
Once they are contacted, households will need to reply so the council knows how best to send the vouchers.
They will then be sent out within a week of the reply being received.
The Sun's Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign
WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.
We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.
Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.
It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.
We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 - you can call us on 0800 028 1978.
Or you can email now: [email protected]
Can I get help if I don't live in Milton Keynes?
To get help, you'll need to check with your council, as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the
Once you've found your council, there should be information on how to apply on its website.
Each council has a different application process, so the exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
That means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund could also vary.
Some councils don't require you to apply for help - if you qualify, they'll contact you about it instead.
If your council's website does not provide information, it's best to call them and ask for more information.
What are other councils offering?
Residents in Blackpool can receive up to £300 in support from the Household Support Fund.
Those living in Bracknell Forest could be eligible for a £315 cash grant.
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household.
East Devon District Council is offering a one-off payment of £100 to households receiving housing benefit or council tax reduction.
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Cheshire East Council is also offering struggling families £500 grants to fight the cost of living.
To find out what's on offer from your council, visit gov.uk/find-local-council.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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