Thousands of households to get vouchers worth up to £200 to help with winter fuel costs – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of hard-up pensioners could be eligible for support worth £200 this winter to help with winter fuel costs.
Struggling households can claim support via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The scheme was originally rolled out in 2021 to help vulnerable people cope with the rising cost of living.
The government has since promised 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.
The latest to receive a hike in funding is North Tyneside, acquiring a further £1.6million in cash to spend by April 2025.
Now, thousands of pensioners in the community could be eligible for a £200 boost this winter.
Qualifying pensioners are those on a low income and claiming Council Tax Support and or Housing Benefit but are not eligible for Pension Credit.
Residents will receive their PayPoint vouchers – worth between £150 and £200 – in December and January.
The token will help struggling locals pay for their fuel this winter.
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 https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/
Existing support will continue and additional funding will be allocated to boost crisis funding and support vulnerable families to access winter clothing for children.
Money will also go towards supermarket voucher provision to those on means tested free school meals.
The Warm Welcome Scheme will return throughout the winter months, with £20,000 going towards community support and helping to keep volunteer-led schemes running.
Karen Clark, North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The increased cost of living continues to impact our residents every day It isn’t something that has gone away and we know that for many, the extra support we offer is often a vital lifeline.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer, we know that households need support all year round and that’s why we tailor our support to make sure it’s impactful.
“We know that hundreds of residents have benefited from support this year, whether that be monetary vouchers or accessing support in the community. With this latest round of funding from the Government, we are able to extend that further.”
What if I don’t live in North Tyneside?
It’s not only households in North Tyneside which are eligible for Household Support Fund.
Some examples of what other councils are doing include Shropshire Council, which is now offering struggling families £300 grants to fight the cost of living.
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.
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.