Wandsworth Winter Support worth up to £300 being paid directly to low-income pensioners

The Wandsworth Winter Support payment is worth £300 for those who are 80 or over, and £200 for those under 80. It is targeted at pensioners who are on Council Tax Reduction, and not currently in receipt of Pension Credit.

We are writing directly to residents to confirm that they are eligible and will now receive payment. This will either be paid directly to those for whom we already have details, or we will confirm an alternative payment method in our letter.

This innovative support comes ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter for many residents still experiencing high cost of living costs, which is why we are also continuing to provide the biggest and most generous support package in London. The £15 million fund has been used towards an array of support, such as community spaces around the borough, where residents can access a warm space, a meal, and a friendly face to talk to.

As the cost of energy continues to rise, we have also funded the distribution of warm homes packs, which is estimated to save the average household around £200 a year. For those struggling with the immediate pressure of paying bills or putting food on the table, support can be found through Citizens Advice, who receive funding from the Council and help us with community outreach, and through our crisis support payments.

We are running a campaign to sign pensioners up to Pension Credit. Having run this campaign over the last two winters, the Council has already put £1 million extra in the pockets of pensioners which they would not otherwise have had.

Cllr Angela Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:

“We work tirelessly to make Wandsworth a fairer borough, which is why we’re pleased to be able to offer a generous package of support during this challenging time for people’s finances. We encourage everybody to visit our cost of living hub and find out about the support they are entitled to over the winter.”

If you think you are entitled to Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction, you can follow the links and should apply promptly to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to.