Thousands of people on disability benefits across Bury are set to receive £150 from this week as part of a government package to help with the cost-living-crisis.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates 8,900 individuals in Bury North and 10,500 individuals in Bury South can expect the payment from this week.

The government says that the vast majority of those eligible will have received it by the start of October.

The new Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, described the scheme as "providing vital support to shield the most vulnerable".

The payment comes in addition to a plan announced by Prime Minister Liz Truss on September 8 to freeze energy bills at £2,500 for the next two years.

However, some people have called for more support, the disability charity Scope said the £150 payment "won't touch the sides" for many living with disabilities.

The charity’s director of strategy, James Taylor, said they had been “inundated” with calls from disabled people wondering how to keep warm this winter, even with the new price freeze.

He warned the soaring cost of energy could have a "devastating impact" on the health of people with disabilities if they are forced to keep the heating off.

Sharing concerns, Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said: “What is consistent from this government is that action and assistance is given well after when it is needed.

“I agree with many disability charities that this payment won’t come anywhere close to touching the sides with bills set to rocket as the year goes on.

“You cannot continue ignoring this crisis.

“The government should have adopted Labour’s windfall tax and ensured people wouldn’t freeze to death this winter because that is the alternative.”

This week’s payment is separate to the £650 cost-of-living payment, the first instalment of which landed over the summer.

The government said in July that 12,000 were eligible for that payment in Bury North and 13,500 were eligible for that payment in Bury South, including those on Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, and those receiving child tax credits.

In total, the DWP estimates around 6.3 million people are eligible for the disability payment across Great Britain, including 820,000 in the North West.

Those eligible for the payment include people who on May 25 were receiving the disability living allowance, personal independence payment, attendance allowance, armed forces independence payment, constant attendance allowance, or the war pension mobility supplement.

People are also being urged to be alert to scammers targeting those expecting cost-of-living payments.

Payments will be automatic, so people should watch out for texts and emails from fraudsters asking for their personal details.

Bury North MP James Daly said: “The government's Energy Price Guarantee will ensure that a typical household in Great Britain will save at least £1,000 a year.

“This is in addition to the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will be paid in six instalments from October.

“Plus, the most vulnerable UK households will also continue to receive £1,200 of support provided in instalments over the year.

“The £150 disability payment is significant, but it is important that it be considered as a part of this wider package of support, making sure the most vulnerable in Bury and across the country get the support they need.

“With the economic impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, these are difficult times.

“But the government are committed to helping people with the cost of living and these extensive measures will do that.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith added: "We know disabled people face additional costs, and this government is listening and taking decisive action to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

"This multi-billion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households, particularly those with disability challenges, through the tough times ahead."