HELPING HAND
Thousands on state pension with low incomes to get £300 one-off payment to help with bills this winter
Keep scrolling to learn more about the support
THOUSANDS of hard-up pensioners could be eligible for support worth £300 this winter to help with the cost of living
Struggling households can claim support via the Household Support Fund.
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The scheme was originally rolled out in 2021 to help vulnerable people cope with the rising cost of living.
It has been extended many times, with the government promising to pump a further £1billion into the fund over 2025 and 2026.
Local councils pay out the money, and how much you get depends on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
Now, thousands of pensioners in Shropshire could get support worth £300 this winter.
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The money will help elderly households on low incomes who receive benefits such as council tax support or housing benefits but not pension credit.
This is because many pensioners who are not eligible for pension credit will miss out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment this year.
It follows a decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to means-test the cash boost, which was previously available to all retirees.
Qualifying households in Shropshire can get access to a free cash grant worth £300 to help with rising bills this winter.
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The council will be contacting eligible people directly so there is no need to apply.
However, if you think you could be eligible and are at risk of missing out, you can visit //www.shropshire.gov.uk/.
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, corporate resources and communities, said: "The Household Support Fund has been a vital lifeline for many people in Shropshire.
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"I’m impressed by how we have supported so many families and I’m grateful to our teams and partners who have delivered the grants and support to our local communities."
What if I don't live in Shropshire?
It is not only households in Shropshire which are eligible for Household Support Fund.
Some examples of what other councils are doing include Rotherham Council, which is now offering struggling families £250 grants to fight the cost of living.
Rotherham Council says that to qualify for the grant, residents must have no more than £150 remaining each month after covering essential expenses such as food, rent or mortgage, and utility bills.
You do not need to be on benefits to apply for the fund.
Newcastle Council has been awarded £2.9million to help struggling families this winter.
Some £950,000 of that fund will be given to those who are pensionable age in receipt of Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit but who don’t qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance.
Everyone who is identified as eligible for this support will be contacted directly in December by the council with their payment.
Sandwell Council has also been allocated more than £3.4million for the period up to March 2025 to help struggling families.
The council is using the funds to give 4,000 pensioners on low incomes a £200 payment.
To be eligible, you must receive council tax reduction, but not Pension Credit.
This payment will be sent to eligible households in a letter that can be cashed at a Post Office.
Meanwhile, The Sun previously revealed a full list of councils providing extra support for pensioners this winter through the fund.
You can check that out here.
How to know if you qualify?
Financial support available to struggling households varies from council to council, so it is worth checking what schemes your local council offers to ensure you get all the support you need.
The benefits you already receive will not be affected by applying for the HSF.
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And, you do not necessarily need to receive benefits in the first place to get vouchers or funds from the HSF.
To get the help, you'll need to check with your council - as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
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 the 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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