Support Scheme Opens for Kent Pensioners Facing Winter Hardship

Applications have commenced for financial assistance designed to help Kent pensioners manage “significantly rising living costs” this winter. The Just Missing Out scheme, administered by Kent County Council, offers £200 vouchers redeemable for food, energy, or both. Eligibility is open to pension-aged residents on lower incomes who do not qualify for Pension Credit or the government’s Winter Fuel Payment. Council leader Roger Gough stated that people are confronting “real hardship” this winter. He emphasized, “We think it is really important to ensure that there is support for those people who are going to be really affected by what’s happened with the Winter Fuel Allowance and who are not eligible for Pension Credit.” Gough further elaborated, “There are an awful lot of older people in Kent who don’t qualify for pension credit, but are just at that level above it. “This support is aimed at those who will experience real pressure throughout the winter and may have to make difficult decisions about energy or food.”So the focus will very much be ensuring those older people can be in a much better situation than would otherwise have been the case.” The program allows Kent residents to apply themselves, or a professional, friend, or family member can submit an application on their behalf.