As the cold weather bites, almost all eligible pensioners in Sefton have now received up to £600 towards their winter fuel bills but some of the most vulnerable are still missing out on extra help.
Over the past month, around 11.9 million payments totalling more than £4.8 billion have been made to pensioners across the UK. Last year, 60,006 pensioners in Sefton received help and more will have become eligible this year.
Following this year’s record 10.1 per cent increase to the State Pension, it will increase again by 8.5 per cent from April 2024, in line with earnings – bringing the New State Pension to over £11,500 a year, an increase of more than £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
- 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 also now come into effect in many parts of the country, providing eligible households an extra £25 a week when the temperature drops below zero degrees for more than seven days.
Leader of Sefton Conservatives Councillor Mike Prendergast said:
“60,000 pensioners across Sefton will, by now, have received this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which for many people will be £600. Anyone who hasn't, but thinks they should have done, should call 0800 731 0160.”
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, added:
“Today shows 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.”
Councillor Mike Prendergast and Chairman of Sefton Central Conservatives Martyn Barber are also urging pensioners to check whether they could get extra help with Pension Credit.
Pension Credit gives extra money to help with living costs to people of State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Which magazine estimates that Pension Credit is worth around £3,300 a year on average for claimants, but around a third of people who are eligible fail to claim it.
Residents can call the Government's Pension Service Helpline on 0800 731 0469 to check or online at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
