With the cold weather arriving, there is welcome news for pensioners across the country as they are told that boosts of up to £600 will land in bank accounts over the next two months.
Some have started to receive the money which will help with energy bills this winter. And the Winter Fuel Payments are being boosted again this year by an extra £300 per household due to the Pensioner Cost of Living payment which will be paid automatically for the vast majority of older people.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride says: "We have delivered on our promise to halve inflation and will continue to support people right across the country, including pensioners who may be facing particular challenges over the colder months," reports WalesOnline. He added: "As well as up to £600 to help our pensioners stay warm this winter, we’re boosting pensions through the Triple Lock - increasing the full rate of the New State Pension by over £900 next year."
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The money will appear in bank statements with a payment reference that starts with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by the letters ‘DWP WFP’ for people in Great Britain or ‘DFC WFP’ for those in Northern Ireland. While most Winter Fuel Payments will be paid automatically, some people need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and who have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment.
The extra support will bring relief for pensioners set to receive the boost, most of whom are on fixed incomes and also unable to up their incomes through fixed employment. The Winter Fuel Payments follow on from the recent £300 Cost of Living payments made by the DWP to more than seven million eligible households across the UK
This latest payment is the second of up to three Cost of Living Payments being made this financial year. These are all tax-free, will not impact existing benefit awards and are said to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting low-income families under financial pressure.
Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit will also qualify for this extra support. The average Pension Credit award is now worth £3,900 per year and there is still time for those who are eligible to apply and receive the £300 Cost of Living payment.
This is due to the fact an eligible claim for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months - if the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. For more information to help pensioners work out how much they will receive see the Winter Fuel Payment: How much you’ll get on the www.gov.uk website.
Most Pensioner Cost of Living Payments are being made automatically in November or December. These should be received by January 26 and anyone due a payment who has not had it by that date should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
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