State pension news: Retirees could receive an extra £1,051 THIS year - full details and payment dates

The payment schedule for the next load of cost of living support worth up to £1,350 for people claiming disability benefits, pensioner households and those on a low income was recently announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Payments worth £150, £300 and £900 will be rolled out during the new financial year, which kicks off on April 6, 2023.

Around eight million pensioner households across the UK will be supported by additional cost of living payments, after it was announced the new package of support will be worth £26 billion during 2023/24.

Below is a guide on how those of state pension age could receive up to £1,051 during 2023, before an additional £299 in early 2024.

£900 cost of living payment

Older people are urged to check whether they’re eligible for Pension Credit in this year’s annual State Pension uprating letter.

It is estimated that 850,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming the benefit.

The Pension Credit benefit is worth on average over £3,500 each year and helps with gaining support with housing, Council Tax and heating.

Earning this also entitles you to the £900 cost of living payment, which will be paid as follows:

Many pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit.
Jonathan Brady

- £301 - Spring 2023

- £300 - Autumn 2023

- £299 - Spring 2024

People can check whether they’re eligible for Pension Credit by using the online calculator on the GOV.UK website or calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.

£150 disability cost of living payment

The one-off £150 payment will be made this summer.

The DWP said the qualifying period and exact payment window will be announced closer to the time.

If you earn any of these benefits, you will qualify for support:

- Disability Living Allowance

- Adult Disability Payment

- Attendance Allowance

- Constant Attendance Allowance

- War Pension Mobility Supplement

- Armed Forces Independence Payment

- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If you have a long-term health condition or disability but have never claimed PIP before reaching State Pension age, there is a chance you’re eligible for Attendance Allowance.

If you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to look after yourself, the benefit helps with the extra costs involved.

Mobility needs are not covered for the payment but you do not need to have someone caring for you in order to qualify.

£300 pensioner cost of living payment

The one-off payment will be added to the annual Winter Fuel Payment which usually comes in between November and January.

To be eligible for the 2023/24 lump sum, you must have been born on or before September 25, 1957 and lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, which tends to fall in the last full week in September.