Lifeline cash boost for state pensioners who miss out on £300 Winter Fuel Payment

State pensioners who narrowly miss out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payments this year might receive a £150 boost instead, provided they reside in certain parts of the UK. While the Winter Fuel Payment has become means-tested, meaning most pensioners will not be eligible unless they claim Pension Credit, there is a nationwide scheme that pensioners can apply for without needing to be on Pension Credit.

The Household Support Fund allows the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to distribute funds to local councils across the UK to support those in need as deemed appropriate. In the vicinity of London, Kent Council is offering up to £200 to state pensioners through what it calls the Pensioners Just Missing Out scheme.

They stated: "The Pensioner Just Missing Out scheme supports Kent pensioners in need of help with significantly rising living costs. The scheme is available for pension-aged residents on lower incomes who are not eligible for Pension Credit or the government's Winter Fuel Payment. The scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government."

"You will be eligible for assistance if you or a partner living with you is aged 66 or over; are a Kent resident, permanently living within one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (this excludes Medway, Bexley, or Bromley), have an annual household income (before tax) of more than £11,343.80 (£17,313.40 for a joint household income) and below £40,000, do not have more than £1000 in savings and are not in receipt of Pension Credit," reports the Express.

"If you qualify, we will issue your household with vouchers to the value of £200 which can be redeemed towards food, energy or both. You will need to provide an email address and have online access for energy support activation. Food vouchers will not require online activation and can be issued by email or post."

In other parts of the UK, pensioners can apply to their local council's Household Support Fund and do not need to claim Pension Credit to be eligible. Camden Council states: "Pensioners we have identified as being on a low income will receive a £300 Post Office voucher to help with the cost of bills, food and other essentials this winter. These vouchers will be funded by the government's Household Support Fund."

Other councils offering financial aid include those in Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and Wales. To find out what you could be entitled to, click here.