Goverment increases state pension

The Government has announced a £4 billion increase in the basic state pension.
 
From April, the state pension will go up by five per cent, which means full weekly pension amount will rise from £90.70 to £95.25. Ministers also confirmed that pension credit will increase from £124.05 to £130 per week.
 
The Government confirmed that most National Insurance benefits will rise by five per cent, and most income-related benefits will be uprated by 6.3 per cent.

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. Anyone who wants further information should call 0800 141 2591.

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 years and over.