The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed an extra £10.90 a week for low-income state pensioners. From April, the standard minimum guarantee for pension credit is now worth up to £238 per week for single claimants without a partner. This is up from £227.10 per week previously, working out at £43.60 a month.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have a low income. It comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. It is separate from your State Pension.
Guarantee Credit
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This level is currently £238.00 if you are single or £363.25 if you are a couple. You might be eligible if you have reached State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both men and women but is gradually rising from April 2026.
Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria: you are a carer, you have a severe disability, you have certain housing costs such as service charges, or you are responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.
Savings Credit
Savings Credit is extra money if you have some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It is available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. You could get up to £17.96 extra per week if you are single or £20.10 extra per week if you are a couple.
Other benefits
By claiming Pension Credit, you might become eligible for other benefits too, such as help with health and housing costs. There is no savings limit for Pension Credit, but if you have over £10,000 in savings, this will affect how much you receive.
