PENSIONERS across Inverclyde have started to receive up to £600 from the UK Government to help with energy bills this winter.

Winter Fuel Payments – boosted again this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – will land in bank accounts over the next two months, the vast majority automatically.

UK Government minister for Scotland John Lamont said: "The UK Government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our society and this payment of up to £600 for pensioners will be very welcome as we move into the colder months."

The money will appear in bank statements with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’.

The overwhelming majority of Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically but some people need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment.

This latest payment is the second of up to three Cost of Living Payments being made this financial year.