Hillingdon Council has taken a step to protect older residents from winter fuel allowance cuts by providing further details on the support available. The council is utilising part of the £2 million Household Support Fund that has been allocated to work alongside Age UK in assisting eligible pensioners in the borough to submit a claim for the allowance.
For those who require assistance with the application process, Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent can be contacted by phone at 02087 563040 (select option one) or via email at enquiries@ageukhhb.org.uk. Additionally, pensioners who may need help navigating the Pension Credit online application system will receive support directly in their homes.
Moreover, a Pensioners’ Support Fund has been set up to aid individuals who are not eligible for the fuel allowance but were born before September 23, 1958, and are facing financial difficulties. This fund will assist them in applying for utility bill support. Furthermore, exceptional support is available for those experiencing significant hardship, with applications being assessed based on financial criteria and proof of household income.
In addition to supporting older residents, the council is also using the Household Support Fund to assist households with children aged up to 19 who receive benefit-related free school meals. These families can receive £15 per child per week for a total of four weeks, spread across the October half-term, Christmas holiday, and February half-term.
It is important to note that these schemes complement the existing support provided at warm welcome centres in the borough. For more information on the Household Support Fund and how to access the available assistance, residents can visit the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/household-support-fund.
