More than ten thousand pensioner households in Wolverhampton South West are estimated to have benefited from the Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments. The Government has confirmed that more than 99 percent of eligible pensioners across the country have now received up to £600 per household to help with their energy bill this Christmas for the second year running. Stuart has welcomed the news that nearly twelve million payments have been made to pensioners across the UK.
Around 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments have been made to pensioners across the UK over the past month. Last year, some 11,028 pensioner households in Wolverhampton South West received support. The payments are worth up to £600 per household, and total more than £4.8 billion. They build upon the Government’s commitment to supporting pensioners and ensuring dignity in retirement. The State Pension increased by 10.1 per cent in April 2023 – the largest increase in the history of the State Pension – and will increase again by 8.5 per cent in April 2024, in line with earnings – an increase of over £900.
Further support has also been made available for vulnerable households this winter. Low-income households are receiving Cost of Living Payments worth £900 during 2023-24, and nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount. The Cold Weather Payment has come into effect providing eligible households an extra £25 a week when the temperature drops below zero degrees for seven days.
Stuart Anderson MP: “With inflation more than halved, we are now taking action to drive economic growth across the UK. As we do so, we continue to directly support the most vulnerable households. More than ten thousand pensioner households in Wolverhampton are estimated to have received cost of living payments. This support is in addition to the £150 rebate on winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount and the £25 Cold Weather Payment. Together, it is helping with energy bills and household budgets this Christmas and into next year.”
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “We have honoured our commitment to protect pensioners throughout the cold winter months by paying out £4.8 billion of direct support in a matter of days. As well as getting this vital money to millions of pensioners, we have fulfilled our pledge to halve inflation and boosted the State Pension through the Triple Lock to ensure pensioners are supported after a lifetime of work.”
While 11.9 million payments have already been issued, those who have not yet received theirs should not worry, as payments are continuing into January. The money will appear in bank accounts with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP.’ Pensioners are being asked to double check their bank statements for this reference number before contacting the DWP. Further information about claiming can be found at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.