Council Support to Pensioners Not Receiving Winter Fuel Payments

Pensioners who are not eligible for Winter Fuel Payments are being offered support by Adur & Worthing Councils.

This month the councils will be sending letters to 200 households that will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment due to falling just outside the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit, to offer them vouchers worth £200.

The vouchers are provided by Huggg, an organisation that helps local authorities across the country disburse support funds to those in need. They can be used in supermarkets to buy groceries or household items.

Funding for the vouchers comes from the Household Support Fund - money from central government to help residents struggling with the cost of living.

The households have been identified by the councils’ Proactive team of dedicated caseworkers using database technology developed by social policy software and analytics company Policy In Practice as well as referrals from staff.

Since September last year the councils’ Proactive team say they have contacted nearly 300 households that are eligible for Pension Credit but have not claimed it, to let them know that they can continue receiving the Winter Fuel Payment by making an application.

So far nearly 60 residents have successfully applied for Pension Credit, bringing in an additional average annual income of £3,900 per household.

Cllr Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure said: “The cost of living is still having an impact on people’s day-to-day lives, with food and energy costs continuing to increase. These vouchers can be used in most major supermarkets and will help take some of the worry away by making sure the costs of everyday essentials are covered.”

If you are unsure if you are eligible to claim Pension Credit, you can check here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. Or visit https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/ for help and support with the cost of living.