UK households being handed free £3,600 towards their energy bills over winter

Thousands of households in the West Midlands have been advised they could be entitled to £3,600 in financial support towards paying their fuel bills this winter. The support is being offered to pensioners on low income.

Sandwell Council said pensioners may be eligible for pension credit if they're concerned about paying their winter fuel bill in 2024. There could be as many as 880,000 pensioner households who are missing out on this vital lifeline, according to Government estimates.

And with the average underclaim believed to be worth up to £3,600 ever year, that means they could receive a lot of support. People can apply for pension credit by visiting the Government's website.

READ MORE: Households to get £75 paid directly into bank accounts weeks before Christmas

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: "We have been working hard to help Sandwell residents throughout the cost-of-living crisis by providing support and advice through services such as housing, school meals and Welcoming Spaces to help people stay warm and healthy throughout winter. There is lots of information available on our website and we want residents who are concerned about paying their fuel bills this winter to find out if they are eligible for pension credit or any other benefit that makes them eligible to claim winter fuel allowance.

"Pensioners claiming Housing Benefit who are entitled to pension credit and not claiming will be proactively contacted by our Welfare Rights Team. It is well worth checking if you’re eligible and applying and we are here to help with a dedicated team. So don’t delay find out if you are eligible for pension credit online or contact our team on 0121 569 3158 between 9am to 1pm."

To apply online or to request a paper form please visit www.gov.uk.