More Solihull pensioners now eligible for support with cost-of-living struggles

Changes in eligibility criteria mean that more pensioner households in Solihull qualify for financial support through the Household Support Fund. 

Age UK Solihull is distributing the funds to older Solihull residents on behalf of Solihull Council. The revised criteria now permit applicants to have savings of up to £10,000 per person in the household, an increase from the previous threshold of £5,000.

The Household Support Fund provides crucial financial support for residents struggling with energy bills, water bills, and other household essentials. The Fund will be available until 31 March 2025.

To qualify for support through the Fund, pensioners must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of the borough of Solihull.
• Have savings of £10,000 or less (per pensioner in the household).
• Have a household income of £31,000 or less.
• Have someone living in the household with one of the listed vulnerabilities
• Be in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits

More details and full criteria

Eligible residents could receive a £200-300 fuel payment per household if they are not eligible for the Winter Fuel payment. Other support that can be provided by Age UK Solihull includes:

• fuel debt relief
• water debt relief
• energy prepaid cards for those not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment (subject to income limits)
• support with purchasing essential white goods and furniture
• emergency food and clothing assistance
• emergency heating servicing and repairs
• support with keeping warm in winter, including the provision of blankets, quilts and warm clothing, plus emergency portable heaters.

Age UK Solihull’s Older People’s Services Manager, Hilary Tomlinson, says, “We are delighted to have expanded the criteria for support from the Household Support Fund, meaning that even more pensioner households in Solihull will benefit. With rising living costs continuing to impact the most vulnerable members of the community, we want to do all we can to alleviate some of the financial burdens facing pensioners in the borough. We urge pensioners who are struggling with their bills or other essentials to get in touch as soon as possible to see if they can benefit from the Fund.”

For more information and to apply for support, please contact Age UK Solihull at 0121 704 7844 or email partners@ageuksolihull.org.uk.

Find out what other support is available on Solihull Council's website here.