Dr James Davies MP has welcomed that 16,261 pensioners in the Vale of Clwyd will receive an additional £300 as the Conservative Government’s Pensioner Cost of Living Payments begin to be sent out this week.
These payments will be made directly to over 11 million pensioners in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting pensioners with rising costs through the winter.
In addition to this £300 uplift to the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, the Energy Price Guarantee will help to keep household energy bills as low as possible – saving the typical household £900 this winter. Every household is also benefitting from a £400 grant, automatically deducted from their energy bills, as the Government takes real action to help people with the cost of living.
James said:
“Pensioners across the Vale of Clwyd are facing rising living costs due to Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, so it is vital that we take real action to support them.
“I welcome the news that 16,261 pensioners in the Vale of Clwyd will be receiving the UK Government’s £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment as part of their annual Winter Fuel Payment, as well as the news that the Triple Lock is being protected.
“This will give pensioners much needed support this winter and protect the most vulnerable in the face of rising prices.”
Commenting, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:
“We know the pressures pensioners across the country are facing which is why we’re providing all pensioner households with an additional £300 on top of their Winter Fuel Payments to heat their homes and stay warm this winter.
“This extra payment is just one part of the wider support package the Government is delivering to help with rising bills, including the biggest State Pension increase in history.
“We will continue to support the most vulnerable as we deal with the impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the pandemic – as demonstrated by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement of additional help to follow next year.”
James is also keen to ensure that pensioners in the Vale of Clwyd are not missing out on pension credit.
He said:
"Pension Credit provides a vital income subsidy for some of our most vulnerable pensioners. Although take-up is at the highest level since 2010, I am concerned that there are still too many pensioners missing out on this vital support.
"Even a small award of Pension Credit can unlock additional help and support - most importantly right now, the cost-of-living payments.
"It is not too late for a pensioner to qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment – an extra £324 worth of financial support. This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.
"To ensure that a successful backdated claim falls within the qualifying period for the second Cost of Living payment, the Department of Work and Pensions is urging people to claim Pension Credit as soon as possible, but by no later than 18 December."
