Household support fund
Overview
Pensioner households not entitled to Winter Fuel payments this year, but known to be on low incomes and in receipt of Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit, will receive £200 from the Council through the Government’s Household Support Fund.
These households have already been identified and contacted and payments are in the process of being issued to those that have responded.
The Government provided the Household Support Fund to local authorities for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Having consulted with local organisations about how best to help people in Cheshire West and Chester, we have chosen to spend the money in the following ways:
- food vouchers for families with children who get free school meals
- payments to Carers and Care Leavers
- payments to Pensioners on a low income who are not receiving Pension Credit and therefore no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment support
- making financial support available to people via local charitable organisations
- helping low income households with energy and food costs.
The application process for discretionary support with energy and food costs is currently being finalised and it is expected that the application form will be made live by 13 January 2025. This application will be open to households who receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
For payments to Pensioners, Carers and Care Leavers, eligible residents will be invited to claim by letter. Please view 'Low income houses' for more details regarding this process.
If you are currently struggling and require support with energy and food before the application opens, we have lots of information available regarding Cost of living, other benefits and grants available, and our HELP scheme which provides support in an emergency or crisis situation for food, furniture and white goods. You can contact the HELP scheme on 0808 175 3599 Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
