Call for pensioners to apply to living costs scheme

Only 500 people have applied for an available 5,000 awards in Kent

An appeal has been renewed in Kent to help pensioners with significantly rising living costs.

There are 5,000 awards available in Kent County Council's (KCC) Pensioner Just Missing Out scheme and so far there have been only 500 applications.

A widespread appeal has gone out to friends and family of those of pensionable age to help them see if they are eligible for this scheme.

A KCC spokesperson said they wanted to assist "those most adversely impacted by the cost of living challenges in that age bracket over the colder months".

The initiative is available for pension-aged residents on lower incomes who are not eligible for Pension Credit or the government's Winter Fuel Payment.

It is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

A winter fuel payment was previously paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills.

But last July the government said the payment would now only be made to those on low incomes who received certain benefits.

A KCC statement read: "Our Financial Hardship team is working with departments across the authority to make sure as many people are being reached as possible, together with district and borough council colleagues and Citizens Advice branches across the county."

The scheme will be available until the end of February, unless the awards are distributed sooner.