Middlesbrough OAPs can apply now for energy costs support with 2,000 households elligible
Pensioners can apply now for cash support towards their energy costs.
middlesbrough -council>Middlesbrough Council is using government funding provided via the Household Support Fund to help older people who may have missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment.
Those aged 80 and over and getting Council Tax Reduction, but not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, can receive £200. Those aged between 66 and 79 that meet the same criteria can receive £150. It’s estimated around 2,000 households could benefit from one of these two payments.
READ MORE: Heinz wades into tomato sauce 'fridge or cupboard' debate
READ MORE: Five-star Whitby hotel could be converted into holiday lets
Payments are being made automatically to eligible people the council has details for where a payment has previously been made. Letters have also been sent to others on Council Tax Reduction thought to qualify asking them to confirm relevant information.
The Council is now urging others who may qualify to apply. In addition to those receiving help with their Council Tax, pensioners on Attendance Allowance who haven’t received the Winter Fuel Payment can apply for £100.
Finally, low-income pensioners not on benefits with incomes of less than £20,000 for a single person, or £26,000 for a couple, can apply for £100. Cllr Nicky Walker, Executive member for Finance, said: “We made a local decision in Middlesbrough to use government funding to try and help pensioners this winter.
“I know there are a lot of pensioners who may have worked all of their lives but miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits due to receiving a small works pension or having some savings. Letters are going out advising people of the payments, but there may be other people that qualify and I’d urge them to complete the simple application form. If you know an older person who may fit the criteria, please share this information with them and help us to support as many people as possible.”
Ahead of the Household Support Fund scheme the Council wrote to hundreds of older people not receiving Pension Credit who may have been eligible for it.
The awareness campaign was intended to help more people access support for living costs, including the Winter Fuel Payment.
The efforts to maximise support for Middlesbrough residents support the delivery of the Council’s priority to make the town a healthy place by reducing poverty.
Applications for the Household Support Fund must be made by February 28. For full information and details on how to apply, please visit the council’s website via www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/household-support-fund . If you are unable to apply online please contact the team directly on 01642 726541. Staff will complete the application form on your behalf.
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around Teesside