Menu
12/12/2008
£4 Billion Boost For Pensioners
Pensioners are set for a £4 billion boost next year as the Government confirmed the biggest rise in the Basic State Pension since 2001 today, on top of £900m in Christmas Bonuses and a £575m increase in Winter Fuel Payments.
From April, the State Pension will go up by 5%, ensuring someone on a full pension will see their weekly income go up from £90.70 to £95.25. Ministers also confirmed that Pension Credit will increase by the highest amount ever, up from £124.05 to £130 per week.
The Government confirmed today that most National Insurance benefits will rise by 5%, and most income-related benefits will be uprated by 6.3%, providing real support to people in the current economic climate.
Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society, Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP said: "In these tough times, the Government will continue to give real help to pensioners.
"I want to do all we can to help those pensioners on the lowest incomes, and the increase in Pension Credit will mean that we can lift even more people out of poverty. We have also made it easier and quicker for those eligible for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit to get what they are entitled to."
The increases follow additional help announced in the Pre-Budget Report where eligible pensioners will have their Christmas Bonus increased for this winter from the traditional £10 to £70.
This will be on top of the increased Winter Fuel Payments which pensioners have been receiving in recent weeks where households with someone aged between 60 and 79 will get £250, and £400 for households with someone 80 and over.
Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Tony McNulty, also said: "Today's uprating continues our progress towards a fair and inclusive society that offers opportunity and independence for all. It reinforces our commitments to tackle poverty and exclusion and ensure security in retirement."
(JM)
From April, the State Pension will go up by 5%, ensuring someone on a full pension will see their weekly income go up from £90.70 to £95.25. Ministers also confirmed that Pension Credit will increase by the highest amount ever, up from £124.05 to £130 per week.
The Government confirmed today that most National Insurance benefits will rise by 5%, and most income-related benefits will be uprated by 6.3%, providing real support to people in the current economic climate.
Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society, Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP said: "In these tough times, the Government will continue to give real help to pensioners.
"I want to do all we can to help those pensioners on the lowest incomes, and the increase in Pension Credit will mean that we can lift even more people out of poverty. We have also made it easier and quicker for those eligible for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit to get what they are entitled to."
The increases follow additional help announced in the Pre-Budget Report where eligible pensioners will have their Christmas Bonus increased for this winter from the traditional £10 to £70.
This will be on top of the increased Winter Fuel Payments which pensioners have been receiving in recent weeks where households with someone aged between 60 and 79 will get £250, and £400 for households with someone 80 and over.
Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Tony McNulty, also said: "Today's uprating continues our progress towards a fair and inclusive society that offers opportunity and independence for all. It reinforces our commitments to tackle poverty and exclusion and ensure security in retirement."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 April 2009
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
01 March 2004
Pensioners urged to claim full benefits entitlements
Pensioners have been urged to claim a council tax benefit which could save them an average of £426 a year. According to the government, less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund. Government figures reveal that as many as 1.
Pensioners urged to claim full benefits entitlements
Pensioners have been urged to claim a council tax benefit which could save them an average of £426 a year. According to the government, less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund. Government figures reveal that as many as 1.
01 February 2012
Pensioners Missing Out On Millions
A report published on Tuesday has revealed that UK pensioners have left millions of pounds unclaimed. The national charity, Citizens Advice, has published a leaflet to help people prepare for later life armed with all the information they need about the financial help they may be entitled to.
Pensioners Missing Out On Millions
A report published on Tuesday has revealed that UK pensioners have left millions of pounds unclaimed. The national charity, Citizens Advice, has published a leaflet to help people prepare for later life armed with all the information they need about the financial help they may be entitled to.
17 January 2006
Chancellor announces cold weather support for pensioners
Chancellor Gordon Brown has set out a programme of increased financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep “warm, healthy and safe” through the winter.
Chancellor announces cold weather support for pensioners
Chancellor Gordon Brown has set out a programme of increased financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep “warm, healthy and safe” through the winter.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
