Thousands of households will receive vouchers worth up to £200 to help cover winter fuel costs. Are you eligible?

THOUSANDS of struggling pensioners could be eligible for £200 support this winter to help cover winter fuel costs.

Households experiencing difficulties may qualify for support through Household Support Fund (HSF).

2

2

The scheme was initially launched in 2021 to help vulnerable people cope with the rise cost of living.

Since then, the government has promised to pump more £1 billion to the fund during 2025 and 2026.

Local adviсe pay out the money and how much you get depends on your financial situation and what advantages you receive.

The latest to receive a funding boost is North Tyneside, which will receive a further £1.6 million in cash to spend by April 2025.

Thousands of pensioners in the community could now be eligible for a £200 boost this winter.

Eligible pensioners are people on a low income who are claiming Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit but are not eligible for Pension Credit.

Residents will receive PayPoint vouchers worth between £150 and £200 in December and January.

The token will help struggling locals pay for fuel this winter.

The Council will contact those eligible directly so there is no need to apply.

However, if you believe you are eligible and are at risk of missing out, you may visit https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/

Existing support will continue and additional funding will be made available to increase anti-crisis funding and support vulnerable families in accessing winter clothing for children.

The money will also go towards providing supermarket vouchers to those receiving means-tested free school meals.

The Warm Welcome program will return throughout the winter months, with £20,000 going to support the community and help keep volunteer-led programs running.

Karen Clarke, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at North Tyneside Council, said: “The rising cost of living continues to impact our residents every day. It’s not something that has gone away and we know that for many, the extra support we offer is often a vital lifeline.

“Whether it’s winter or summer, we know households need support all year round, which is why we tailor our support to make sure it’s effective.

“We know hundreds of residents have received support this year, whether through cash vouchers or access to community support. With this latest round of funding from the government, we can expand this further.”

What if I don’t live in North Tyneside?

It’s not just households in North Tyneside who are eligible to receive help from the Household Support Fund.

Some examples of what other councils do include: Shropshire Councilwhich is now offering £300 grants to families in need to combat rising living costs.

Newcastle Council received £2.9 million to help families in need this winter.

Around £950,000 of this fund will be given to pensioners receiving Council Tax Receiving support or housing benefit but not eligible for winter fuel benefit.

Anyone identified as eligible for this support will be contacted directly by the council in December with payment details.

Sandwell Council More than £3.4 million has also been made available until March 2025 to help families in need.

The council will use the funds to provide 4,000 low-income pensioners with £200 payments.

To be eligible you must receive advice tax reduction, but not pension credit.

This payment will be sent to eligible families in a letter that can be cashed at Post office.

Meanwhile, The Sun previously revealed the full list of councils providing extra support for pensioners this winter through the fund.

You can check it Here.

How do you know if you qualify?

The financial support available to struggling families varies from council to council, so it’s worth checking what schemes your local council offers to ensure you get all the support you need.

Applying for HSF will not affect the benefits you are already receiving.

And you don’t have to receive benefits at all to receive vouchers or funds from HSF.

To get help, you need to contact your advice – since local authorities are responsible for the distribution of funding.