Thousands of pensioners to get automatic £200 in bank account after Winter Fuel Payment withdrawn
THOUSANDS of pensioners are in line for £200 free cash after having their Winter Fuel Payment axed.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund which is worth £421million to councils across England.
Each council has been given a unique share of the pot of money and can decide who to offer help to.
Central Bedfordshire Council is dishing out £200 cash payments to 2,200 pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payments axed.
The local authority said it will contact those who qualify directly.
The council has already handed out supermarket vouchers to families with children eligible for Free School Meals.
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Councillor Adam Zerny, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "As councillors, we appreciate the impact the changes the government has made to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners has had a real impact on our residents.
He added: "We realise this financial support is essential for some members of our community, particularly for older residents on low and fixed incomes.
"Without it, many of our pensioners face the prospect of a difficult winter."
Can I get help with the cost of living if I don't live in Central Bedfordshire?
You might be able to, yes. The Household Support Fund pot of cash worth£421million has been shared between councils in England.
However, local authorities get to set their own eligibility criteria for support so they can tailor help to those who most need it.
That means what you are entitled to varies based on where you live and it can be a bit of a postcode lottery.
However, in most cases, you should receive help if you are financially vulnerable, on a low income or benefits like Universal Credit.
A lot of councils this year are also handing out direct support to pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payment axed.
Earlier this year, the Government confirmed it would be means-testing the up to £300 annual payment in a bid to boost its coffers.
However, it means millions are missing out on the payment which is designed to cover the extra costs of heating over the winter months.
If you think you might be eligible for help through the Household Support Fund, it's worth contacting your local council.
You can find which council area you fall under via //www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
Households in Derby are in line for supermarket vouchers worth £125 to cover the cost of food and other essentials.
Meanwhile, thousands of pensioners in North Tyneside qualify for £200 PayPoint energy vouchers.
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.
Other help on offer
If you're not eligible for the Household Support Fund in your local area, it's worth checking if you qualify for benefits.
Recent figures from Policy in Practice reveal millions of people aren't claiming the extra help when they could be.
In total, £23billion went unclaimed in 2023/24, with £8.3billion worth of Universal Credit not claimed for.
You can apply for benefits on the Government's website.
It's not just extra money you get from benefits either, with a number opening up additional perks.
Those on Universal Credit can get help covering the cost of childcare, for example, while those on Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit also qualify for the Warm Home Discount - a yearly £150 discount off energy bills.
You may also be able to get grants to cover your energy bills if you've fallen into arrears.
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A number of energy firms offer grants to struggling customers, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy and British Gas.
If you're struggling to pay your bills, speak to your supplier to see if they can give you any help.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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