UK households with less than £10,000 savings being handed £100 Cost of Living payment

Households who are "struggling" have been told they can come forward for free payments in the form of Cost of Living payouts for Christmas. People in the east of England can benefit from the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Household Support Fund is a scheme that allows local councils to award specific help to residents who are behind on bills, or on low incomes. Peterborough City Council says you must be over the age of 65 and on a low income, but not receiving Pension Credit. You must also have less than £10,000 in savings and live within the Peterborough City Council area to get a £100 voucher.

You can redeem it at the Post Office to top up your energy account, or spend them at a supermarket. The local authority states: "This scheme will ensure that the immediate needs of older residents are met, so they are able to use heating and remain comfortable in their homes. However, the scheme's main aim is to provide much wider support to ensure residents are aware of preventative mechanisms available.

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"Age UK have a committed and highly skilled team to undertake this work. They will liaise closely with all providers of winter support and older people's services in the Peterborough area to ensure the support is accessible to all eligible local residents."

It adds: "We have teamed up with Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to launch the Older Adults Winter Support Scheme. The scheme provides £100 vouchers to older adults who are most in need of financial support during the winter months.

"Recipients can either use the voucher at the Post Office to top up fuel cards / keys, or spend them at a supermarket of their choice. Using the voucher at the supermarket helps to free up funds for heating and fuel costs during this period."