State pensioners who DON'T qualify for Winter Fuel Payment being handed free £200 in 'helping hand'

State pensioners are set to be handed a free £200 cash payment in the form of a "helping hand". Haringey Council is awarding the cash to pensioners in the borough receiving council tax support or housing benefit but not Pension Credit, as these residents will get the Winter Fuel Payment.

Haringey received the money from the Household Support Fund after the government announced the extension of the lifeline until the end of March 2025. The council has made it a priority to support those most in need, with the fund helping hard-pressed households pay for expenses such as food, energy bills or clothing.

Automatic payments will go to eligible residents, including those on a low income, care leavers and households with a disabled family member who are facing financial hardship. Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality, said: "The government’s decision to extend the Household Support Fund is welcome news for our borough and we will ensure the funds are allocated where they will have the most impact.

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"We know our residents including a number of pensioners are facing enormous cost-of-living pressures and this continued funding will enable us to provide much-needed vital support to our most vulnerable households and anyone in financial hardship. The funding will make a significant difference to struggling families as we do everything in our power to assist them through the winter months."

Eligible households will be contacted by the council, eliminating the need for applications. A letter with a voucher will be sent to the residents, which can be cashed at any UK Post Office, the council has gone on to explain.

And the local authority has stated most will also receive a one-off payment of £100 or £200, but the exact amount will be determined based on individual circumstances.