The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering state pensioners an additional £48.15 per week on top of their standard Pension Credit if they or their partner are carers. This extra amount is available to those receiving Carer’s Allowance or, in Scotland, Carer Support Payment, and can significantly boost take-home pay for eligible pensioners.
Standard Pension Credit rates from April 2026
The standard amount for Pension Credit is the minimum the government provides to support day-to-day living. From April 2026, the rates are £238.00 a week for single people and £363.25 a week for couples. These figures are set by the DWP and apply to all claimants who have reached the qualifying age.
Extra amount for carers explained
Claimants may be eligible for an additional £48.15 per week if they or their partner are receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment. Alternatively, eligibility extends to those who have claimed these benefits and would be receiving them if they did not already have another contributory benefit paying a higher amount—known as 'underlying entitlement'. If both partners meet either condition, the extra amount is doubled.
When Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment stops, or underlying entitlement ceases, the Pension Credit extra amount for carers continues for a further eight weeks. However, if Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment has already been paid for eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for, the extra amount stops immediately. For those receiving Carer Support Payment in Scotland, this period is extended to 12 weeks following the death of a cared-for person.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a tax-free, income-related benefit for people who have reached the qualifying age, which is linked to the State Pension age. The State Pension age is currently 66 but will rise to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. Pension Credit has two parts: Guarantee Credit, which tops up weekly income to a minimum amount, and Savings Credit, which is available only to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How to claim the carer boost
Eligible pensioners should ensure they are receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment, or have an underlying entitlement. The DWP automatically applies the extra amount if the criteria are met, but claimants are advised to report any caring responsibilities to ensure they receive the correct payment. For more information, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline or visit the GOV.UK website.
