MORE than 12 million pensioners have begun receiving a vital financial boost this month due to the biggest State Pension increase in history.

This includes more than 17,000 pensioners here in Central Devon.

Thanks to the Triple Lock, we will have put an extra £3,000 a year into pensioners’ pockets compared to 2010 for those on the Basic State Pension, while the full rate of the New State Pension will exceed £10,000 a year for the first time.

As Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, a central part of my role is to ensure British pensioners are protected. I understand the unique challenges they face in dealing with rising prices and energy costs being experienced here and around the world.

That’s why I took the decision, in consultation with the Chancellor, to increase pensions by 10.1 per cent this year.

Global inflationary pressures and the longer term effects of the pandemic mean we are not yet out of the woods, but as we continue to drive down inflation - halving it by the end of this year - this boost will ensure pensioners' incomes are shielded.

To protect pensioners on the lowest incomes, the government is also increasing Pension Credit by 10.1 per cent.

This takes the standard minimum guarantee for a single person £182.60 to £201.05 and for a couple from £278.70 to £306.85 per week.

I urge anyone with retired family, friends and loved ones to check in with them and see if they're entitled to extra financial support through Pension Credit, which can make a huge difference to people's lives.

Pension Credit not only provides a financial boost - worth on average £3,500 a year - but it also opens doors to other benefits, including help with heating costs, Housing Benefit, and a free TV licence for the over 75s.

You can check eligibility at: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility .

While we stand firmly behind pensioners, we know times are tough for everyone.

That's why the government is helping households with cost of living support worth £94 billion (around £3,300 per household).

Later this month, more than eight million low-income households will start to receive the first Cost of Living payment of 2023/24 - worth £301 - directly into their bank.

This is the first of three DWP payments totalling up to £900 for the most vulnerable in our society, including those on Pension Credit.

I have always believed that the best way for people to improve their lives is through work, so we will be providing additional Work Coach Support to help get more people back into work.

The unprecedented 9.7 per cent increase in the National Living Wage to £10.42/hour is also ensuring that work always pays more than benefits.

For the first time a full-time worker here in Central Devon on the National Living Wage will earn a salary of more than £20,000 a year.

Against the international economic headwinds we’re facing, this Government is doing everything we can to support pensioners, families and households across the country.