Thousands of people in Greater Manchester to get £200 cost of living payments from this weekend

Thousands of pensioners living in Manchester will receive additional financial support from the government, starting from this weekend.

Almost 5,000 households where pensioners live, which are in receipt of council tax support or housing benefit but do not qualify for winter fuel payments, will automatically receive payments of up to £200.

Town hall bosses in Manchester said the money can be used to help them pay for energy, water, fuel or other essentials.

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Under the scheme, run by Manchester City Council, 3,792 households with an eligible pensioner aged 66-79 will get £150 payments, with 826 households where a pensioner aged over 80 lives receiving £200.

In addition to these new cost-of-living payments, applications are now open for the council's new hardship fund specifically for pensioners who are in-need and will not receive the winter fuel payment, but have not already been identified for an automatic payment.

Similarly, those aged 66-79 will be eligible for £150 payments and those 80 or over for £200. Applications can be made at www.manchester.gov.uk/winterfuelfund.

Across Greater Manchester, GPs, pharmacies and other partners have been carrying out an awareness campaign to encourage people to check their eligibility and apply for pension credits.

The campaign has included direct mail-outs, digital advertising, GP practice texts to patients, and flyers with prescription medicines; An array of channels are being used to reach pensioners and their loved-ones to help those eligible get signed up.

It is estimated that around 8,000 people in Manchester who are entitled to the benefit – which can also unlock eligibility for other benefits – are still missing out.

And the cost-of-living payments under this scheme are not limited to pensioners.

Around 21,470 low-income households across Greater Manchester in receipt of council tax support where at least one person is entitled to disability benefits will get an automatic payment of £100. And £10 per week will be paid to around 350 care leavers living in their own tenancies.

Families with children who are eligible for free school meals during term time will receive payments for each eligible child of £15 for the autumn half-term, £30 for the Christmas holiday period and £15 for the spring 2025 half-term to prevent holiday hunger.

This will support around 44,000 children, with payments distributed via Manchester schools.

Some 21,470 low-income Manchester households in receipt of council tax support where at least one person is entitled to disability benefits will get an automatic payment of £100. £10 per week will be paid to around 350 care leavers living in their own tenancies.

Families with children who are eligible for free school meals during term time will receive payments for each eligible child of £15 for the autumn half-term, £30 for the Christmas holiday period and £15 for the spring 2025 half-term to prevent holiday hunger. This will support around 44,000 children, with payments distributed via Manchester schools

"This sits alongside our work to encourage people to access Pension Credits and other extra money and help which people might be eligible for but missing out on.” Equally, we’re asking family members who think an older relative might be eligible for support to let them know about the fund or give them a hand applying.”

The council spends over £30million a year on helping those facing hardship and poverty, including the £6.5m awarded through the Government’s Household Support Fund to target support for those most in need of help to pay for energy and water, food or other essentials up to April 2025.