As a credit union we are committed to supporting our members and the wider Kent community, especially during challenging times. This winter, Kent County Council who are one of our partners has launched the Pensioner Just Missing Out Scheme, a valuable resource for older residents facing rising living costs. If you or someone you know is struggling to manage household expenses, this initiative could provide much-needed support.
What Is the Pensioner Just Missing Out Scheme?
This scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offers £200 in vouchers for food or energy to Kent pensioners on lower incomes who do not qualify for Pension Credit or the government’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- You or your partner are aged 66 or over.
- You are a Kent resident, living in one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (excluding Medway, Bexley, or Bromley).
- Your annual household income (before tax) is between £11,343.80 (£17,313.40 for joint incomes) and £40,000.
- You have savings of less than £1,000.
- You are not currently receiving Pension Credit.
Why Was This Scheme Created?
In response to the government’s reduction of the Winter Fuel Payment, Kent County Council has allocated £1 million from the Household Support Fund to assist pensioners who “just miss out” on other forms of support. This initiative ensures that older individuals do not have to choose between heating their homes or buying essential food items during the colder months.
Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, emphasised:
“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.
“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. People for whom this winter could mean real hardship. 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.”
How to Apply
Applications can be made directly by individuals or through a trusted professional, friend, or family member. To apply:
- Visit the Kent County Council application page: Apply Here.
- Submit your application online.
- You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number, followed by approval or decline notification.
Deadline for Applications
The scheme will close on 28 February 2025, or earlier if funds are fully allocated. Applications are processed within 20 working days, so we encourage early submissions to avoid delays.
Making a Difference Together
This initiative is part of Kent County Council’s broader Financial Hardship Programme, which has supported thousands of residents with food and fuel vouchers, technology access, and debt relief since 2021.
The programme collaborates with a wide range of partners, including district and borough councils, the voluntary sector, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and various teams within Kent County Council. Its trusted role within the local public sector has allowed it to deliver meaningful and positive outcomes across Kent.
By working alongside organisations such as Citizens Advice and Digital Kent, the programme has further extended its reach, creating lasting impacts that have improved the lives of countless families and individuals throughout the county.
We applaud this effort and encourages anyone eligible to take advantage of the support. Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community has to face the winter alone.
For more information about our services or further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wave Community Bank. Let’s work together to support Kent’s community through this winter and beyond.
