Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has plans to extend the £650 cost of living payment to pensioners who are in receipt of the state pension but are not eligible to claim pension credit.

The government is committing an extra £37 billion to support the most vulnerable this year. The £650 Cost of Living Payment is deliberately targeted at low-income households in receipt of a means tested qualifying benefit. For people above State Pension age, this is those in receipt of Pension Credit.

With the full package of support, most pensioner households will receive £850 (via the additional Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Rebate & Energy Bills Support Scheme) on top of arising state Pension, which has never been higher. Pensioners receiving means-tested benefits who are in most need of support will receive £1,500, including payments in July and the autumn totalling £650.

If someone in receipt of a contributory State Pension, additionally makes a successful claim for Pension Credit, they may qualify for one or both instalments of the Cost of Living Payment. This is because claims for Pension Credit can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout the 3 months.

In addition, all pensioner households will receive an extra £300 to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter.