PENSIONERS have the chance to get their hands on cash payments worth £200 but they will have to be quick as the offer runs out soon.
Those not eligible for Pension Credit are still able to claim theirs.
Nearly 25 per cent of those eligible are yet to claim vouchers which were issued just before Christmas[/caption]
Winter Fuel Payments were first issued to help people pay their heating bills during the colder months.
Elderly people who didn’t receive their seasonal funding and who qualify for a council tax reduction could receive a voucher.
Aimed at those with a lower income than most, pensioners wanting to claim their money will need to cash theirs in at the Post Office.
Nearly 25 per cent of those eligible are yet to claim vouchers which were issued just before Christmas.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has now issued an urgent reminder to pensioners in its remit before it is too late.
Unclaimed vouchers need to be redeemed by March 19.
The payments are being funded by the Household Support Fund, aimed at helping those in financial need.
The Government issued the money to councils, meaning eligibility criteria and deadlines to claim the payments vary by authority.
For the most recent update, eligible pensioners do not need to apply as they should have received a letter in the post.
Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources Councillor Paul Moore said: “These payments are aimed at helping pensioners on low incomes who aren’t eligible for Pension Credit. The money will help many people with their fuel bills, groceries or dealing with the cost of living generally.
“The majority of people who we have written to have cashed in their payments, but we’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet to make sure they take their letter to the Post Office as soon as possible.
“The vouchers are valid for three months, so they must be cashed in by 19 March.
“Anyone who needs help or support with the cost of living should visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub where there’s lots of advice and information available.”
Those not eligible for the payments could held to the council’s Local Welfare Provision scheme which continues to accept applications for crisis payments.
What is the Household Support Fund?
£421m was given to local authorities through the Household Support Fund.
Through the fund, vulnerable households can claim support to help with the cost of living.
The funding is supplied from a £421million pot by the Department for Work and Pensions.
It was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times.
Councils get a portion of the cash based on their population, size, catchment area, and need, which they allocate to vulnerable households.
For example, Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
What if I don’t live in Sandwell?
The latest round of the Household Support Fund opened on October 1 with councils having to allocate all funding before March 31.
That means you could be eligible for help if you live outside of Sandwell.
Eligibility criteria varies depending on where you live, but in most cases you will receive help if you’re on benefits, a low income or classed as vulnerable.
However, because the latest round has to be allocated by the end of this month, a lot of councils may have depleted their funds.
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.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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The Government issued the money to councils, meaning eligibility criteria and deadlines to claim the payments vary by authority[/caption]
