First wave of cold weather council payments to support pensioners start this weekend

Thousands of pensioners in Manchester will be among the first nationally to receive extra financial help this winter, with support payments from the council 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.

Under the Manchester city council scheme, 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, 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. Again 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

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The council and partners, including GPs and pharmacies, have also been carrying out an awareness campaign to encourage people to check their eligibility and apply for pension credits.

From direct mail-outs to digital advertising, GP practice texts to patients to flyers with prescription medicines, an array of channels are being used to reach pensioners and their loved-ones. 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 missing out.

The cost-of-living support available through this landmark package is not limited to older people, however.

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

Council leader, councillor Bev Craig, said: “We know winter can be an especially difficult time for those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. That’s why we’ve listened to Mancunians’ concerns and acted quickly to put this landmark package of support in place. We want anyone struggling to know that there is help out there.

"I’m proud that older people in Manchester, and others who we’ve identified as being in need of targeted support, will be among the first in the country to benefit from measures which councils are taking. While many will be receiving welcome payments over the next few days, I’d encourage anyone in Manchester who is struggling financially to get in touch with our Cost of Living Advice Line, especially if you might be eligible for hardship support.

"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.

Contact the Cost of Living Advice Line on freephone 0800 0232692 between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. More information is also available at www.manchester.gov.uk/coladvice. Or Text on 07860 022876.