DWP update on plans to restore £300 payment for pensioners
DWP update on plans to restore £300 payment for pensioners
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The DWP has provided a response to calls for a £300 pensioner payment to be restored. Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones asked in Parliament if the DWP had considered reinstating several payments, including the "pensioner cost of living payment". After energy bills and other costs spiked in 2021, the Government brought in several additional payments to help those struggling to pay their bills. Several cost of living payments, in instalments of around £300, went out to people on benefits or tax credits between 2022 and 2024, including those on Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
The pensioner cost of living payment was an extra amount of either £150 and £300 on top of the Winter Fuel Payment, for the 2022 to 2023 winter and for the 2023 to 2024 winter. Responding to the question, pensions minister, Sir Stephen Timms, said: "The cost of living payments were intended to relieve the immediate financial pressures caused by the rapid rise in cost of living. There are no plans to reintroduce these payments.".
Although this support has now ended, you can still get help towards your living costs through the Household Support Fund. The funds are distributed by local councils in the form of direct payments, food vouchers and other support. You do not have to be on benefits to access the fund.
