THOUSANDS of pensioners are set to receive free energy-saving gadgets in the coming weeks.

The help comes via the £421million Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been spread across councils in England.

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Each local authority has been given a share of the fund and can decide how it wants to use the money to help residents in need.

North Lincolnshire Council is distributing 5,000 free air fryers to low income pensioners.

The local authority is also dishing out over 1,300 slow cookers and nearly 400 one-cup kettles.

The appliances can be collected from local venues or are being delivered to those who can’t leave their homes.

The application process to receive the goods has closed, but they are set to be issued over the coming weeks.

It comes after pensioners in North Lincolnshire who are not on Pension Credit but receiving council tax support were given £200 in cash to help cover energy bills.

Frank Cooper, from Scunthorpe, who received a free air fryer, said: “Since we got it, we’ve not used the gas oven at all.

“We can do quick meals cheaply as there is just two of us and there is no waste.

“It’s really easy to use and saves on washing up too. I even did crispy roast potatoes for Christmas in it. It’s marvellous.”

If you live in North Lincolnshire and are a pensioner, you can find out more about the free household appliances via the council’s website.

Help if you live outside North Lincolnshire

You might be eligible for help through the Household Support Fund, even if you live outside of North Lincolnshire.

However, each local authority in England has been given a unique share of the £421million fund, so that means what you’re eligible for depends on where you live.

Some councils are distributing vouchers that can be used to cover energy bills or food while others are paying money directly into bank accounts or distributing energy-saving gadgets.

Whether you are eligible for help depends on where you live, although in most cases if you are on benefits, a low income or vulnerable, you should qualify for help.

In the latest Household Support Fund round, lots of local councils are handing out help to pensioners who have missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment because they don’t qualify for Pension Credit.

Bear in mind, councils have been distributing help via the Household Support Fund since last October and have until the end of March to allocate their share.

That means some councils may have already depleted their funds and you’re too late.

Check with your local council if you’re eligible for any help. You can find your local council via www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Other ways to get free energy-saving gadgets

You might be able to get hold of energy-saving gadgets on the cheap or for free through your local council.

Beyond the Household Support Fund, some councils offer free white goods through local assistance funds.

For example, North Yorkshire Council offers households facing financial difficulty free white goods.

Households can get gas cookers, microwaves, tumble dryers and washing machines.

You’ll need to provide proof of why you need extra support though either through receiving benefits or being on a low income.

If you’re a current or ex-BT worker you might be able to get help through the BT Benevolent Fund too.

You’ll also need to prove you’re struggling financially. But it could see you get help paying for white goods and other household items.

You can apply for the BT Benevolent Fund on the scheme’s website.

You might be eligible for energy-saving devices through your energy supplier too.

Octopus Energy said it would hand out 20,000 electric blankets this winter while OVO is distributing electric throws and mattress toppers.

Those with EDF as their firm might be able to get free air fryers, kettles and slow cookers too.

Speak to your supplier to see what help is on offer.

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