Pensioners have been urged to look out for letters sent out this week about free £200 help. In West Sussex, Adur and Worthing Councils are this week sending letters to 200 pensioner households about £200 supermarket vouchers.
The vouchers will be emailed to residents 14 days after receiving their letter. The vouchers are provided by Huggg, an organisation that helps local authorities across the country disburse support funds to those in need. They can be used in supermarkets to buy groceries or household items.
Funding for the vouchers comes from the Household Support Fund – money from central government to help residents struggling with the cost of living. The council explained: “Since September last year our Proactive team has contacted nearly 300 households that are eligible for Pension Credit but have not claimed it, to let them know that they can continue receiving the Winter Fuel Payment by making an application.”
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So far nearly 60 residents have successfully applied for Pension Credit, bringing in an additional average annual income of £3,900 per household. Councillor Sharon Sluman, Adur’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “There is a lot of support available for people struggling with the cost of living, but we know that there are many retired people who fall just shy of claiming Pension Credit and will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments this year.
“The Proactive team will continue to contact anyone who may be eligible for the vouchers as well as signpost people to other support available.” Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “The cost of living is still having an impact on people’s day-to-day lives, with food and energy costs continuing to increase.
“These vouchers can be used in most major supermarkets and will help take some of the worry away by making sure the costs of everyday essentials are covered.”