Payments of up to £600 are landing directly in the bank accounts of around 60,000 pensioners across Sefton, for the second year running. 22,108 pensioners in the Sefton Central constituency will receive the payments, together with 21,988 in the Southport constituency and 15,910 in the Bootle constituency.
Winter Fuel Payments – boosted again this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – will land in bank accounts over the next two months, the vast majority automatically.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:
"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.
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"
The money will appear in bank statements with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’.
Sefton Conservative leader Councillor Mike Prendergast added:
"After the good news that inflation has been halved, pensioners have also learned this week that there will be an 8.5 percent increase to the State Pension next year"
The overwhelming majority of Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically but some people need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment. The payments deliver additional support to pensioners, the majority of whom are on fixed incomes and also are unable to raise their incomes through fixed employment.
Pensioners getting Pension Credit 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 because an eligible claim for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.
More information:
Those who do not receive a payment by 26 January 2024 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances
For more information on Pension Credit, to use the free online calculator, to check eligibility or to claim, visit gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.
People receiving any amount of Pension Credit can also get help with other costs including rent (via Housing Benefit), council tax and heating. Those over 75 qualify for a free TV licence.
