MIllions of pensioners across the UK will get an extra £300 cost of living payment in the run-up to Christmas.
The boost comes on top of the second half of the DWP's £650 Cost of Living Payment to lower-income households and the £400 everyone is getting in energy bill rebates. The money will be given to pensioners who qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
The payment itself is worth £100 to £300 and the top-up will be an additional £150 to £300. It will be paid from the start of November.
New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the additional £300 as part of the Government's response to the cost of living crisis when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. A government spokesman said: "If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household paid with your normal payment from November 2022.
"This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits. The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances."
The amount paid will depend on circumstances. The amounts below include the fuel payment and the top-up:
| Your circumstances | Born between 26 September 1942 and 25 September 1956 | Born on or before 25 September 1942 |
|---|---|---|
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £500 | £600 |
| You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £250 | £350 |
| You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £250 | £300 |
| You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits | £500 - only one of you will get the payment | £600 - only one of you will get the payment |
| You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits | £500 - you’ll both get the payment | £600 - you’ll both get the payment |
| You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits | £250 | £300 |
The second part of the £650 payment for lower-income homes will also start to be paid in November.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Chloe Smith, said: "Millions of families will soon see a £324 cash boost as part of our extensive £1,200 support package, helping to raise incomes and manage the rising cost of living. We understand that people are struggling which is why and we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable households.
"That’s also why we are focused on driving growth and delivering quality public services so we can continue to support those in need through these challenging times while boosting opportunity for all."
Read next:
- Aldi shoppers go wild for £30 homeware Special Buy that's 'the same as' £300 designer version
Argos and Amazon shoppers go wild for £56 oven that costs less than an air fryer to run
Aldi introduces new policy that affects all of its 900+ UK stores
Money changes this November - including £330 pay boost for workers
Drink-drive mum led police on 70mph chase... but walks free after telling court she is pregnant
