Household Support Fund update

The government’s Household Support Fund is there to support households most in need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items with two schemes currently open.

Pensioner scheme – deadline for registering 17 October 2025

We wrote to all eligible customers during June and July to invite a claim to receive a payment of £50. Not all eligible pensioners have registered their bank details with us to enable this payment to be issued so we have written again as a reminder of this scheme and invite a claim by the deadline of 17 October 2025.

If you were invited to claim but have not yet done so, we would encourage you to register your bank details with us to receive the support and you will also automatically be considered for future similar schemes.

More information can be found at:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/pensioner-low-income-households

Discretionary scheme

Our discretionary scheme which gives £100 to low-income households remains open for applications for those in need of support. This discretionary scheme is only open to households which have an active claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction and have not already received a payment under the scheme since May 2025.

More information including how to apply can be found at :

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/energy-and-food-cost-support

Winter pensioner scheme – due to open 10 November 2025

In November, we will be opening our winter pensioner scheme. If you are eligible and have provided your bank details during the winter pensioner scheme last year, or during the summer pensioner scheme mentioned above, you’ll automatically be considered for this winter scheme too, with no need to apply again.

For all other eligible low-income pensioners who are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, we will contact you direct to advise how to claim this additional support.

More information can be found at:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/pensioner-low-income-households

Additional support and advice is available for anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, requires debt advice or who’s health has been affected by the rising cost of living.

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living