State pensioners waking up to one-off £200 payments after Winter Fuel Allowance axed

Thousands of pensioners are set to get a £200 one-off payment for energy bills after the Winter Fuel Allowance worth £300 was AXED by the new Labour Party government and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The government is rolling out the latest phase of its Household Support Fund.

After the Conservative Party announced the HSF, the Labour Party has extended it until the end of March. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is funding local authorities and handing them cash to help hard-up households.

More than 32,000 eligible households in Nottinghamshire will get the help to cover food and energy costs in the run-up to Christmas. Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at Nottingham City Council, said: “It is welcome news that the Household Support Fund has been extended through to April next year, which will allow us to carry on supporting vulnerable households in Nottingham as they continue to grapple with the high cost of living.

READ MORE Millions of drivers will wake up to £145 bill next week at 'worst possible time'

“The support provided through schemes such as HSF and by the Government, the Council and charities has sadly become a lifeline for many and I’m proud of the help the Council has been able to deliver over these past few years to those most in need with their food and energy bills through vouchers, foodbanks, holiday activity clubs for children and so much more.

“Households struggling financially should look on the Council’s HSF webpage to find out what support they may be eligible for and apply for it as soon as possible, as these are limited on a first come, first served basis. Our website also provides plenty of further advice and avenues for support for those who may need it.”

Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fourth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024. In September 2024, the Government announced a fifth extension.