People claiming a specific Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit are receiving up to £12,376 annually, and this payment is not based on means-testing. The benefit in question is Pension Credit, which increased by 4.8% in April due to wage growth.
Pension Credit Increase Details
The weekly income threshold for a single person rose from £227.10 to £238, translating to a maximum yearly amount of £12,376. For couples who are both pensioners, the threshold is £363 per week. Despite this, around 910,000 pensioner households are missing out on Pension Credit, with the average award being worth £4,300 per year.
How to Check Eligibility
Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, urges pensioners to check their eligibility. He explains: "It takes minutes to check if you qualify, so don't stall, just call. The exact rules of who can get Pension Credit are complex, so we have a simple rule of thumb for those of state pension age (rising gradually from 66 to 67 from April 2026)."
According to Lewis, if your total income is under £238 a week (£363 for a couple), you are likely to get Pension Credit, as this is the level of the full state pension it is designed to top up. If your income is under £250 a week (£380 for a couple), there is a chance you will qualify, depending on circumstances. A higher threshold applies if you claim certain disability benefits or have caring responsibilities.
Government Statements
Labour Party minister Liz Kendall said: "The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported. That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit. This government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of over 12 million pensioners through the Triple Lock."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: "The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous government means we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions. Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock. We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to. That’s why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit."
