Full list of areas handing out free cash to thousands on state pension to replace £300 winter fuel payment after cut
PENSIONERS missing out on this year's winter fuel payment may be able to claim cash from their local council to help with energy bills.
Around 10million pensioners will no longer get the benefit, which is worth up to £300, after chancellor Rachel Reeves changed the rules for qualifying.
From this winter, the payment will be limited to people receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.
As a result, there are concerns many households will struggle with essential costs, like energy bills, throughout the winter.
Particularly as the energy price cap was increased today (October 1), meaning millions of households are facing a hike in their bills.
But, some local authorities have already stepped in to offer support to those left adrift by cuts to the benefit.
Read more in money
Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s Economy and Resources Board, said: “Councils recognise that changes to the way winter fuel allowance payments are made will mean some people no longer qualify and may experience difficulties.
“Many councils support local people in this situation with their own local welfare schemes, including using the Household Support Fund which has been recently extended by the government.
“However, councils do want to see a shift away from short term crisis support to investment in services which reduce poverty, improve people’s financial resilience and life chances, underpinned by a sufficiently-resourced national welfare system.”
Thurrock Council has created a £100,000 fund to help pensioners who receive benefits but will no longer qualify for the winter fuel payment.
Cllr Sara Muldowney, the council's cabinet member for Resources, said: “We want to make sure that our residents, especially the borough’s most vulnerable pensioners and families, have access to the help and support they need to stay warm and well this autumn and winter."
The authority has said it will work with Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services as well as other community groups to make sure support reaches those that need it.
Barnsley Council has also started a hardship fund for pensioners in response to the cut.
The council said it would be helping as many residents as possible to access the winter fuel payment, and step in if those who miss out find themselves in financial difficulties.
Councils are also looking to provide funds through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The HSF is a pot of money shared between councils in England who then decide how to distribute it among those living in their areas.
That means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live and is a postcode lottery.
The latest round of support will be delivered to councils this month and Milton Keynes City Council has said it will offer energy vouchers to struggling households immediately.
The council said it will assess applicants on a "case by case" basis, but people who are just missing out on the winter fuel payment will receive help worth up to £300.
Those who live in the council district and meet any of the following criteria will be contacted about accessing the support:
- Local people who are already in financial difficulty
- Those who fall out of eligibility for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment
Many councils are providing support with energy bills to all struggling households, including pensioners who will miss out on this year's winter fuel payment.
Coventry Council will offer energy grants of up to £120 for single people or childless couples, and £160 for families.
Medway Council is also providing help. It will give electronic energy cards to the value of £100 to those in demonstrable hardship, with less than £500 in their bank accounts.
Every council will receive funding from the HSF, so if you're worried about making ends meet, check your local authority's website for further details.
To find your local council, use the Government's tool.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF was first set up in October 2021 and has now been extended six times.
Councils in England are now able to benefit from the latest round of funding which amounts to £421million.
Nationwide councils have received a portion of the cash to distribute to households in need.
But there is a postcode lottery to determine who qualifies and each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria.
Yet, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, or are deemed to be vulnerable or on benefits, you will probably qualify for help.
The HSF's fifth round of funding will close on September 30, but the government has extended the scheme until April 2025 with the injection of a further £421million.
Applications may still be being accepted for the fifth round of funding, so it's still worth checking with your local authority.
Councils will determine how the cash is distributed. For example, households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for a financial award of £300 per household, which was paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food.
The payment could be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Meanwhile, residents of Leeds could receive council tax support with those with dependent children able to claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
The help you can get varies, depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
You may be able to receive free cash or vouchers to cover the cost of heating your home, or the weekly food grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
Additionally, you do not need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.
Once you've identified your local council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding online.
Every council has a separate application process, meaning specific details regarding how to apply depend on where you live.
The eligibility requirements to access the fund might vary in addition so it's best to check with your local council for further details.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Some councils won't need you to apply for help and will get in touch instead if you qualify.
If you can't find any information on your council's website, it' s a good idea to call them and ask for further information.
How to save on your energy bills
SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash.
Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.
Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.
It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier.
- Your postcode
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading
It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.
It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories