Ms Morrisey explained: “The chancellor’s promise to deliver support worth £850 to pensioner households is welcome but the Autumn delivery date does not help those struggling in the here and now.

“Many will have received their £150 council tax rebate already but the £300 extra being paid to those receiving Winter Fuel Payment is not due to arrive until Autumn as will the now £400 energy bill grant.

“Many pensioners are already struggling with their budgets and the prospect of waiting several more months for support will come as little comfort.

The DWP has prior received criticism for benefit payments and the state pension only being increased by 3.1 percent in line with last year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation.