Pensioner households in the West Midlands who missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment from the new Labour Party government can receive a separate £200 payment from a local council. The payments are funded through the Household Support Fund, with Sandwell Council receiving over £3.4 million to support residents until March 2025.
This funding will help us to support people in Sandwell most affected during these difficult times. This includes a £200 payment for nearly 4,000 pensioners on low incomes who won’t receive a Winter Fuel Payment (those who receive Council Tax reduction but not Pension Credit).
It also includes providing families eligible for free school meals with vouchers in December to support them at what we know is often the most challenging financial period of the year for many households, thanks to the Household Support Fund.
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It also includes financially supporting council tenants and private tenants who are struggling with the cost of living and funding discretionary payments for people struggling to pay their Council Tax bill. A Sandwell Council spokesperson said: “This payment will be sent to eligible households in a letter from the end of December that can be cashed at a Post Office.”
There’s no need to apply for the majority of the Household Support Funding mentioned above – payments will be made automatically to eligible households. If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, you can find out more about the assistance available and how to get in touch .
If you are experiencing exceptional financial hardship, applications for crisis payments can be made to the Local Welfare Provision Scheme. The council went on on its website and also explained: “The funding is limited by the Department for Work and Pensions. Once the fund has been exhausted, no further awards can be made.”