DWP payment boost for Pension Credit claimants from this week - but millions missing out

Levi Winchester & Annabal Bagdi
·2-min read
Pension Credit payments rose by 8.5 per cent on April 6
Pension Credit payments rose by 8.5 per cent on April 6 -Credit:InYourArea


Millions of pensioners are in line for a payment boost. Pension Credit - which was increased this week - is paid by the Department for Work of Pensions (DWP) to older people on a low income.

Payments rose by 8.5 per cent on April 6. If you already claim Pension Credit, you do not need to do anything to get the increased amount as it will be handed out automatically.

Pension Credit not only tops up your income but also unlocks other financial support. Those who claim the main part of Pension Credit could get their council tax bill reduced.

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Claimants could also get the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments, Housing Benefit, free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, Mirror reports.

If you are aged over 75, you could also be in line for a free TV licence. Almost 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit - but an estimated 880,000 eligible households are missing out on this benefit.

Pension Credit - how much is it rising by?

Pension Credit comes in two parts. Here is how much the standard minimum guarantee has increased by:

  • Single: £201.05 a week to £218.15 a week

  • Couple: £306.85 a week to £332.95 a week

Your income needs to be below these amounts to claim the standard minimum guarantee part of Pension Credit. In some cases, you might still be eligible if you have a higher income and a severe disability, you are a carer or you have to pay housing costs such as a mortgage.

If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you have savings or a second pension, you could be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit. Here is how much this part of Pension Credit should rise by from April:

  • Single: £15.94 a week to £17.01 a week

  • Couple: £17.84 a week to £19.04 a week

You could receive additional payments if you are a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit can be backdated up to three months - as long as you were eligible during this timeframe.

Apply for Pension Credit online on the GOV.UK website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You must be over the state pension age, and live in England, Scotland or Wales.

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