HELPING HAND
Thousands of pensioners to get £130 direct payment to bank accounts BEFORE Christmas – will you?
Plus see what help you can get where you are
THOUSANDS of pensioners are entitled for cash to be paid directly into their bank accounts in the next few weeks.
Those expecting the money before Christmas do not have to do anything to claim the award as it will be sent automatically.
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The Household Support Fund has been extended to offer help for those most impacted by the cost of living until March 31 2025.
In the latest period starting on October 1st, vulnerable children and pensioners were included in the list to be provided for.
Some local councils still have plans to offer support under the scheme, with pensioners living in specific areas being offered automatic payments before Christmas.
In particular, the Help for Pensioners payments offers eligible residents the chance to be awarded with £130.
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Those in receipt of a council tax reduction or housing benefit are expected to receive the donation if living under Halton Borough Council's remit.
, pensioners could still be offered a voucher worth the same value if they do not hold bank account details for an individual.
Further support is available under the Household Support Fund, including the Discretionary Support Scheme which offers aid to those struggling to afford the essentials.
This could range from food, toiletries, household items or essential fuel bills.
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Unlike the Help for Pensioners allocation, these will not be paid out using cash.
Instead, Halton Borough Council has revealed the essential expenses will be "made by way of a parcel delivered direct" from the supplier.
I spend my child benefit on Christmas presents, I fork out around £100 every month on gifts, how else would I spend it-
For pensioners unsure of their eligibility for additional help, they could check with their local council to understand what support is available.
First set up in 2021, the Household Support Fund was introduced by the government to support struggling households amidst rising costs of essential goods.
Since then, the government has promised a further £1 billion for the fund in 2025 and 2026.
The money is directed to local councils to allow the support to be offered for those who need it most.
As local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding, those hoping to gain any further support under the scheme will need to check with their local council.
If there is not enough information online, then it is best to give the authority a call to find out more.
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Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low-income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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