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Pensioners are being warned that they have just two months left to cash in £200 cost of living vouchers. Certain people living in Sandwell received a letter from the council before Christmas.
It included a £200 payment, funded by Sandwell Council’s portion of the Household Support Fund. The government’s scheme supports people with essential living costs such as food and fuel support.
Councils across the country are issued the funding so they can allocate it to those in need. More than 75 per cent of the 4,000 vouchers issued by Sandwell Council have been cashed.
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But there are still people who have not cashed in their voucher – and they only have until March 19. Anyone who has not yet claimed the voucher is being urged to take their letter to the Post Office.
Councillor Paul Moore, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and resources, 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 March 19.
“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.” Older people who did not receive Winter Fuel Payment but qualify for Council Tax Reduction and not Pension Credit were written to by the council in December.
The payments are aimed at supporting people of State Pension age who are not eligible for Pension Credit but who are on a lower income than most. Funding from the Household Support Fund is issued to councils by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Anyone who has received a letter and has questions can call the council on 0121 368 1155.
