Thousands of pensioners in the North West of England are set to receive a vital financial boost to help with rising living costs. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), via Cheshire West and Chester Council, is distributing £100 payments to eligible low-income households as part of the extended Household Support Fund for the 2025/26 financial year.
Who is Eligible for the Support Payment?
The council is targeting support at state pensioners on low incomes. To qualify, households must already be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. The local authority is using its existing records for these benefits to identify and contact those who are eligible.
For pensioner households who were previously part of a Household Support Fund scheme and have already provided their bank details, no new application is needed. These residents will receive the £100 payment automatically. The council aimed to issue all invitations to apply by late November 2025.
The Bank Account Verification Process
A key part of the application for new claimants involves a bank verification check. This security measure is designed to ensure the bank account details provided belong to the person applying for the support.
The council has warned applicants that if the online check fails, they will need to supply further evidence. "This could be because the name on your bank account is not an exact match to the details you completed as the applicant, such as a missing middle name," the authority stated.
In such cases, applicants must provide proof of ownership, such as a bank statement clearly showing the account name, number, and sort code. Uploading this document directly to the application form is advised as the quickest method to resolve the issue.
How to Apply or Seek Further Information
Eligible households who have not been contacted but believe they qualify are urged to get in touch directly. The council has provided specific contact points for enquiries.
Residents can email householdsupport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call the dedicated phone line on 0808 175 3599.
This support follows a previous £50 payment made by the council to low-income pensioner households receiving Pension Credit alongside Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. The latest initiative broadens the criteria, offering increased support during the ongoing cost of living challenges.
