FURTHER details have emerged of Hillingdon Council’s support for older residents after it stepped in to help protect them from winter fuel allowance cuts. 

The borough is using some of the £2m Household Support Fund it has been allocated to work with Age UK to assist eligible pensioners in the borough to submit a claim.  

If they require support to make an application, they can contact Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent by calling 02087 563040 (select option one) or email enquiries@ageukhhb.org.uk.

Pensioners who may need support to navigate the Pension Credit online application system will receive help directly in their homes. 

A Pensioners’ Support Fund has also been established. This will to help those not eligible for the fuel allowance, who were born before September 23, 1958, and are experiencing financial hardship, where to apply for utility bill support. 

Exceptional support is also available for those facing significant hardship, including older people who need assistance, with applications assessed on financial criteria and proof of household income. 

The council is also using the Household Support Fund to help eligible households with children aged up to 19 who receive benefit-related free school meals.

They can receive £15 per child per week for a total of four weeks, split into three separate payments covering the October half-term, Christmas holiday and February half-term.  

These schemes are in addition to support already provided at warm welcome centres. 

Visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/household-support-fund