Thousands of pensioners can benefit from a £200 boost, replacing cuts to the Winter Fuel Payments.
The Chancellor announced changes to Winter Fuel Payments earlier this year, which will see around 10 million pensioners lose out the benefit.
Now, only pensioners on means-tested benefits will qualify for the payments, where previously it was given universally.
As a way to support pensioners who no longer qualify for Winter Fuel Payment, North Lincolnshire Council has announced a £200 payment to 3,000 pensioners who would otherwise miss out this year.
The council revealed on Tuesday that the funds will be given to pensioners who do not qualify for pensioners tax credit but do receive council tax support.
Recipients need not apply, as letters will be sent directly to those eligible. These can be exchanged for the £200 at any post office.
This local initiative aims to support vulnerable residents facing higher energy costs this winter.
North Lincolnshire Council is providing additional support to pensioners beyond the £200 payment. The council is investing in an air fryer and slow cooker programme available to all residents of pension age.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have looked at how best to support the most vulnerable pensioners following the Government’s cruel decision to scrap the winter fuel payments for most pensioners.”
“With some pensioners having to decide whether to eat or heat we had to act and are investing £600,000 to help those most in need. In addition, our investment in helping older people with air fryers and slow cookers will help ensure our residents will be able to limit their energy usage whilst also supporting healthy eating.”
The council will use money from the Government’s Housing Support Fund for the £200 payments. With the Government support, the council also offers energy switching services, open access libraries which serve as warm locations, leisure packages, a free bus pass and free car parking.
The Household Support Fund, established in 2021, helps vulnerable people with essential costs for food and utilities. Local councils have the power to distribute this the way the choose to eligible residents. Britons are urged to contact their local council to see what help they may be offering.
There are also alternative support schemes that remain available for vulnerable households facing higher energy costs this winter. The heating experts at BOXT explained:
- Priority Services Register – The Priority Services Register is a free service provided by energy suppliers and network operators to help people who need additional support. You can call 24 hours a day for help in vulnerable situations like if there’s a power cut or your energy supply is interrupted.
- Ofgem regulations – Ofgem regulations state that your energy firm has to offer you a tailored plan to meet your needs. Households can request more time to pay their bills, payment breaks/reductions, and access to hardship funds.
- Help For Households – Consumers can find advice and information on financial help on the government website.
- Energy firm support – Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. You can find the energy companies offering grants online on the Citizens Advice website, or you can reach out directly to your supplier to see what support they are offering. If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, you might be able to get one from the British Gas Energy Trust as these grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.
The new eligibility criteria in England and Wales for Winter Fuel Payments now include only those over 66 receiving specific benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit.
Households collecting Pension Credit with someone aged over 80 can claim £300, whilst those on Pension Credit will receive £200.
In contrast, Scotland is introducing the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, offering up to £300 for anyone over state pension age. Northern Ireland has yet to confirm their plans for the coming winter.
Pension Credit provides extra money for living costs to individuals over pension age with low income. Despite its importance, only 63 per cent of those eligible claim this benefit.
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Andy Kerr, Founder at BOXT said: “To cut government spending, Rachel Reeves made the tough decision to change the eligibility requirements for the Winter Fuel Payments, with only those on Pension Credit now eligible.
“Alongside this, the Ofgem Price Cap has been confirmed as increasing from £1,568 to £1,717 for the average household from October 1st, leaving more people vulnerable to high energy costs. This means people across the country will be worried about how they will deal with higher bills in the colder months.
“Despite energy costs being a major concern since the cost-of-living crisis began, Pension Credit has a worryingly low uptake, with just 63 per cent of those eligible claiming the benefit.
“Any vulnerable consumers must check their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payments, as well as other funds and schemes that are available.”
