HUNDREDS of pensioner households not eligible for pension credit can apply for up to £100 grants to cover energy bills within hours.
The help comes via a district council which is offering support to those who will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Hundreds in Basildon can get grants to cover energy bills this winter[/caption]
The Government is now means-testing the up to £300 payment meaning only those on certain benefits qualify – including pension credit.
Fears have been raised the move from the Government could leave older households struggling to keep warm over the colder months.
However, Basildon Borough Council, in Essex, has launched a “Warm Home Guarantee” scheme for residents worth £100,000.
The local authority is aiming to hand out 1,000 £100 one-off grants to pensioner households who fall outside the eligibility criteria for pension credit but may still need help covering energy bill costs this winter.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “While we can’t change government policy, we can take local action to protect our most vulnerable residents.
“That’s why we’re allocating £100,000 to directly support 1,000 pensioner households with £100 grants to keep their homes warm.
“The Warm Home Guarantee is about ensuring no pensioner in Basildon faces the cold alone.”
Who is eligible and how to apply
Applications for Basildon Council’s new scheme open tomorrow and run until March 31 next year, or until the fund is fully allocated.
Pensioners can apply online via the council’s website while physical forms will be available at local community centres or the Basildon Centre in the town centre.
To qualify, you must be of state pension age, currently 66, or older and not eligible for pension credit.
However, your weekly household income must be between £219 and £300 if you live alone or £332 and £450 if you are a couple.
You must live in the Basildon Borough area and won’t qualify if you have a second home.
You also must provide evidence of what you currently pay for your energy bills.
You will be required to provide the following evidence as part of your application:
- Proof of age (such as a state-issued ID).
- Proof of income (such as bank statements, pension statements, or a letter from HMRC).
- Most recent heating or energy bill or receipt for pre-payment meters
Households are only eligible for one £100 grant and the payments will be issued on a first-come first serve basis.
We have asked the council if payments will be made by bank transfer and will update this story when we have heard back.
More information on the scheme can be found via: www.basildon.gov.uk/Warm-Home-Guarantee.
What other help is there?
If you don’t live in Basildon and also don’t quality for the Winter Fuel Payment, there is other help on offer.
Octopus Energy has introduced a new scheme offering pensioners discretionary credit of between £50 and £200 to cover energy bills.
The energy firm is offering low income households who don’t receive pension credit help via its Octo Assist Fund.
To find out if you are eligible for help you can visit the Octopus Energy website.
A host of other energy firms might be able to offer you a grant if you are struggling to keep up with the cost of energy bills, including Utilita, EDF and E.ON.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun’s Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it’s imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don’t claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment – worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit – it’s more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It’s not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
