How do I claim winter fuel support if I live in Manchester?

Manchester pensioners who have lost their winter fuel allowance can now claim for a one-off council payment if they need help making ends meet.

The council has set up a new fund so OAPs in the city 'in hardship' can claim up to £200. Those aged between 66 to 79 are eligible for up to £150, with those over 80 are in line for £200.

It is understood the council will assess each application to the fund without a formal threshold of ‘hardship’, in an effort to encourage as many pensioners as possible to take advantage. Officers will ‘make sure’ the local authority avoids duplicating any government payments, however.

READ MORE: Mancunian pensioners losing winter fuel payment will get up to £200 from council

Applications for the hardship fund are open now, but some people will automatically be paid.

The council says any pensioner receiving council tax support, or housing benefit, won’t ‘need to do anything’ because the cash will be paid ‘directly’ to their bank accounts next month where the council has those details, or in Post Office Vouchers, according to the authority.

However, new applications can be made by calling the dedicated cost-of-living advice line on 0800 023 2692 between 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays.

Friends and family of pensioners can also call that number to see if they’re entitled to any other benefits, like pension credit, or check if they will receive the council hardship payment automatically.

Older people will not be the only Mancs able to get help from the Town Hall. Any household which receives a council tax support discount, where one at least one resident also receives disability benefit, will automatically be paid £100.

Moreover, care leavers will be paid £10 per week if they live in their own