Midland households issued eight week deadline to claim free £200

Households living in parts of the Midlands region have been issued a 60-day deadline to claim a free £200 payment. The message has been sent to pensioner households.

A number of pensioner households were sent letters from Sandwell Council before Christmas, containing a voucher with the payments. Residents have been reminded that have until the middle of March to cash them in at a local Post Office.

The payments, funded through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF), were issued to older residents who didn't receive a Winter Fuel Payment but qualify for Council Tax Reduction (but not Pension Credit). These households are considered to be on a lower income than most.

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A total of 4,000 vouchers were issued just before Christmas and more than 75% have been cashed, the council said. However for those who have not yet cashed them in, the council said the letters must be redeemed at the Post Office by March 19.

There is no need for households to apply. Sandwell Council said eligible pensioners will have received their letter in the post. For more information, click here.

Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, Cllr Paul Moore said: "These payments are aimed at helping pensioners on low incomes who aren’t eligible for Pension Credit. The money will help many people with their fuel bills, groceries or dealing with the cost of living generally.

"The majority of people who we have written to have cashed in their payments, but we’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet to make sure they take their letter to the Post Office as soon as possible. The vouchers are valid for three months, so they must be cashed in by 19 March.

"Anyone who needs help or support with the cost of living should visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub where there’s lots of advice and information available." Anyone who has received a letter who has questions can call the council on 0121 368 1155.