DWP rule means people on disability benefits could be due an extra £326 each month

Pound coins
-Credit: (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)


Online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on GOV. UK indicates that State Pension age individuals on a low income who receive Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), may be eligible for an additional £81.50 per week in Pension Credit, equating to around £326 every four-week pay period.

In a similar vein, couples claiming Pension Credit where one person is receiving a disability benefit, will also be granted an extra £81.50 each week (£326 per month). Furthermore, if someone is in receipt of Carer's Allowance, they may qualify for an additional weekly Pension Credit of £45.60.

This extra Pension Credit could also be available to those entitled to Carer's Allowance but are not being paid it, or are receiving it at a lower amount than usual, due to being paid a higher amount by another income-related benefit such as the State Pension - this is often referred to as an underlying entitlement.

Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 residing in Scotland, are receiving this means-tested benefit which could provide an average of £3,900 in support during the upcoming year. However, recent figures from the DWP suggest there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.

With the new rule change to Winter Fuel Payments, it's crucial to make a claim. The change means that only those on an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the annual heating bill help, worth between £100 and £300, reports the Daily Record.

There's a common misconception among some older people who believe that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for the means-tested benefit. However, this benefit can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

Even an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.

Pension Credit serves to top up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:

  • have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and

  • live in Great Britain

The quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit

Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Expert help and advice is also available from:

Here's an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could get.

Pension Credit explained

Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits.

The benefit raises income to a minimum weekly amount of £218.15 for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples, with additional amounts for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Additional Assistance with Pension Credit

If you're eligible for Pension Credit, you can also receive other forms of assistance:

  • Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in

  • Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in

  • Council Tax discount

  • Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over

  • Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments

  • Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment

  • A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house

Mixed Age Older Couples and Pension Credit

In May 2019, legislation was altered so that 'mixed age couples' - where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not - are now classified as a 'working age' couple when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits.

This implies they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this change by the DWP, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one partner reached State Pension age.

Utilising the Pension Credit Calculator

To use the calculator on GOV. UK, you'll need details of:

  • earnings, benefits and pensions

  • savings and investments

If you have a partner, you'll need their details too. You will be presented with a series of multiple-choice questions.

This includes:

  • Your date of birth

  • Your residential status

  • Where in the UK you live

  • Whether you are registered blind

  • Which benefits you currently receive

  • How much you receive each week for any benefits you get

  • Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you

  • How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions

  • Any employment earnings

  • Any savings, investments or bonds you have

Once you've answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week.

All you need to do is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will receive from the DWP, including access to other financial support.

There's also an option to print off the answers you provide using the calculator tool to help you fill out the application form more quickly without having to search for the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to ensure you're receiving all the financial support you're entitled to claim.

Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator?

The calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:.

  • are deferring your State Pension

  • own more than one property

  • are self employed

  • have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit

How to make a claim

You can begin your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.

This means you can receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.

You will need:

  • your National Insurance number

  • information about your income, savings and investments

  • your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post

If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.

Apply online

The online service is available if:.

  • you have already claimed your State Pension.

  • there are no children or young people included in your claim.

To verify your entitlement, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or utilise the GOV. UK Pension Credit calculator here to determine how much you could receive.