State pensioners could be given as much as £500 cash and £300 vouchers (Image: Getty)
State pensioners in some areas of the UK are being handed £300 Post Office vouchers from January to March as part of plans to help those on low incomes.
The government has extended the for another six months, with three months remaining before the scheme closes again.
The sees the Department for Work and Pensions () hand money to local councils for them to distribute at their discretion.
Some prioritise families with young children while most offer some form of support for pensioners on low incomes.
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The HSF is not benefit-dependent, so you don’t need to claim the usual low income benefits such as Pension Credit to be eligible (although those who do could still get the money as well).
In London, Camden Council is offering £300 to state pensioners on a low income in the form of Post Office vouchers.
These can then be used to spend on bills, food and essentials.
Camden Council said: “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 the government’s Household Support Fund.”
Camden is also offering up to £500 in cash payments to eligible households identified as being in an “emergency financial situation”.
It said: “If you’re in an emergency financial situation and don’t have the money to pay for essentials, you may be eligible for a payment of up to £500 from the government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF).
“The deadline to apply for a HSF payment is 31 March 2025, and it has the same eligibility criteria as our Crisis Fund.”
Leeds Council is giving out £150 to state pensioners who aren’t eligible for Winter Fuel Payments any more, while Kent Council has a Pensioners Just Missing Out Scheme, which gives £100 to state pensioners who narrowly miss out on eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.
The government’s website says: “In September 2024, the funding period was extended for a further six months, to run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. Households can apply for one award in this round of HSF.
“Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
“If you get , they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.”