State pensioners living alone can receive up to £238 per week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Pension Credit. This government benefit is designed for those on a low income while claiming the State Pension.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a top-up to the State Pension for individuals with the lowest incomes. It is separate from your State Pension amount. If eligible, it boosts your retirement income to £238 per week for single people or £363 per week for couples.
This means you could receive over £3,900 a year in extra support, providing essential financial help amid rising living costs.
Who is Eligible?
To claim Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age. For couples, both must have reached State Pension age. You also need to live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Around 1.4 million people already claim Pension Credit, but an estimated 880,000 eligible households do not. The DWP believes up to £2.1 billion in Pension Credit goes unclaimed each year.
Why Claim?
This weekly benefit can make a significant difference to heating, council tax, and food bills. Lorna Shah, Managing Director of Retail Retirement, states: "One in three pensioners who could get Pension Credit aren't claiming it. In a cost-of-living crisis, this is a benefit that people need to know about."
If you have loved ones of State Pension age, check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit. They could be missing out on vital support.
