IRRV Alert - week ending 18th December 2009
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Continued help for the most vulnerable (benefit rates)
14 December 2009
Continued help to the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society is guaranteed next year as the Government confirmed it would uprate the basic State Pension by 2.5%. All 11m pensioners getting the basic State Pension and the 3.3m getting Pension Credit will see a real increase in their money.
Despite RPI being negative at -1.4%, key benefits for disabled people, carers and parents will increase by 1.5%. This will give more help to those who need it most.
From April, the State Pension will go up by 2.5%, ensuring someone on a full pension will see their weekly income go up from £95.25 to £97.65. Ministers also confirmed that Pension Credit will rise from next April by £2.60 a week for single pensioners and £3.95 for couples. That means from April next year no single pensioner need live on less than £132.60 a week, and no couple on less than £202.40.
Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society Angela Eagle said:
"Despite difficult economic conditions and negative inflation we have increased support to the most vulnerable in society at the time they need it most.
"Britain’s pensioners are set for an above inflation increase of 2.5% in the basic State Pension next year and a 2% increase in Pension Credit for Britain's poorest pensioners. This is on top of other help like Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments.
"Despite negative RPI we don't want disabled people, carers and other vulnerable groups to miss out on an increase this year. Rather than freezing these benefits we are providing support now to help them through the recession.
"During these tough times, it's vital our support is targeted at the State Pension which helps all pensioners."
Notes to Editors
Press Office: 020 3267 5084
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
The full list of uprated benefits is issued separately at:
