£200 to be paid to pensioners who missed out on Winter Fuel Payment

Low-income pensioners who are missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year after it was means-tested by the Government have been told they can get £200 grants to make up for it. Cash is available from local councils to help those on low incomes who have had their winter payment taken away.

The Winter Fuel Payment is now only being given to pensioners on Pension Credit and certain other benefits. But around 2.5 million who have lost out are on low incomes and may be left struggling to heat their homes without the cash boost.

Some local councils are now stepping in to help out. Sandwell Council is among those which will be giving grants to eligible pensioners who have not received the Winter Fuel Payment.

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Pensioners in other areas can also apply to their council for support if they are on low incomes and struggling to get by. They may be able to secure payments through the Household Support Fund.

Sandwell Council said: "(Funding 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). This payment will be sent to eligible households in a letter that can be cashed at a Post Office."

Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “We are committed to helping families cope at what we all know is an expensive time of year. I would urge anyone who is looking for help to visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub where there’s lots of advice and information available. Seek help as early as you can – getting help sooner rather than later can save you from more worry in the long run.”