State pensioners who are ‘just missing out’ on eligibility for £300 Winter Fuel Payments this year could be handed £150 instead if they live in the right part of the UK.
Although the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested, which means that most pensioners won’t qualify for the money unless they claim Pension Credit, there is a scheme operating across the UK which pensioners can apply to without needing to be on Pension Credit.
The Household Support Fund sees the DWP send money to local councils across the UK to give out to those identified as being in need, as they see fit.
And near London, Kent Council is offering up to £200 to state pensioners in what it calls the Pensioners Just Missing Out scheme.
It said: “The Pensioner Just Missing Out scheme supports Kent pensioners in need of help with significantly rising living costs. The scheme is available for pension-aged residents on lower incomes who are not eligible for Pension Credit or the government’s Winter Fuel Payment.
“The scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government.
“You will be eligible for assistance if you or a partner living with you is aged 66 or over; are a Kent resident, permanently living within one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (this excludes Medway, Bexley, or Bromley), have an annual household income (before tax) of more than £11,343.80 (£17,313.40 for a joint household income) and below £40,000, do not have more than £1000 in savings and are not in receipt of Pension Credit.
“If you qualify, we will issue your household with vouchers to the value of £200 which can be redeemed towards food, energy or both.
“You will need to provide an email address and have online access for energy support activation. Food vouchers will not require online activation and can be issued by email or post.”
In other areas of the UK, pensioners can apply to their local council’s Household Support Fund and do not need to claim Pension Credit in order to be eligible.
Camden Council says: “Pensioners we have identified as being on a low income will receive a £300 Post Office voucher to help with the cost of bills, food and other essentials this winter. These vouchers will be funded the government’s Household Support Fund.”
