Islington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Eligible Islington residents on seven Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits will get a £200 cash payment next month via a post office letter claim.
Islington Council is handing out free £200 payouts, adding:
“The Household Support Fund aims to provide crisis support to vulnerable households, helping those most in need with the cost of essentials. The fund is provided by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).
Islington has been allocated £2,218,159.62 for 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. Most of the Household Support Fund will be awarded to households with no need to complete an application.”
It states that residents who are identified as carers for someone who requires assistance would benefit from this phase of the fund.
The local authority adds that they understand that people with caring responsibilities can face extra challenges because of their caring duties. They might have more heating, water, or transport costs or have given up paid work to care for someone.
Who is eligible for the Carer’s Allowance payment in Islington?
People must be receiving Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit (carer element), Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit (career premium), State Pension, or Pension Credit and be living with their caregivers.
For example, if you are of state pension age and have successfully applied for Carer’s Allowance but are not receiving it because your pension is too high or because the Carer’s Sllowance ceased when you received your state pension, you may be eligible if you have a “underlying entitlement” to Carer’s Allowance.
If you are receiving means-tested benefits like universal credit or pension credit, you are also qualified for some Carer’s Allowance in addition to your state pension (you must be of state pension age), a Carer’s Allowance included in your pension credit payment (you must be of state pension age), and a carer’s direct payment from Islington Council.
Due to funding constraints, each household will only receive one award, and recipients must fulfill the eligibility requirements.
The fund will be closed on 31st March, 2025, or earlier if a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The council shall close the fund once they receive enough applications so that all funds available can be utilized.
Who qualifies for the £200 payment for pensioners in 2024-2025?
The payments are intended exclusively for state pensioner households that were not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024–2025 and who receive a decrease in council tax but not pension credit. Vouchers will be supplied via mail, so applicants do not need to apply.
Pensioners with low incomes who are ineligible for Winter Fuel Allowance and Pension Credit are the target of payments.
Important requirements include having applied for Pension Credit after December 21, 2024, and receiving or being eligible for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.