The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a \u00a3566 cash boost for state pensioners on a low income from April.<\/p>\n
Pension Credit<\/a> is a benefit awarded to people of State Pension<\/a> age in England, Scotland or Wales on a low income to help with living costs<\/a>. It tops up your weekly income to \u00a3227.10 if you\u2019re single, or your joint weekly income to \u00a3346.60 if you have a partner, but these rates are due to increase by 4.8%<\/a> later this year giving eligible pensioners a welcome cash boost. The DWP<\/a> has now confirmed the new rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year which will see the Pension Credit<\/a> standard minimum guarantee rise from \u00a3227.10 per week to \u00a3238 in April. This will give single claimants an extra \u00a310.90 per week, which amounts to an annual cash boost of \u00a3566.80.<\/p>\n The joint rate is also increasing, rising from \u00a3346.60 per week to \u00a3363.25 in April, giving couples an extra \u00a316.65 per week, or \u00a3865.80 more annually.<\/p>\n The uprating to Pension Credit comes alongside increases to the new and basic State Pension rates, which are also both increasing by 4.8% from April.<\/p>\n Confirming the change in the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves<\/a> said: \u201cI am increasing the basic and new State Pension by 4.8%, an increase of \u00a3440 per year for the basic State Pension and an increase of \u00a3575 per year for the new State Pension in line with our commitment to the triple lock<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Pension Credit is paid separately to the State Pension and if you\u2019re eligible to claim it, it also unlocks access to a wealth of extra financial support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts, the Winter Fuel Payment<\/a>, NHS treatment costs, and a free TV licence if you\u2019re aged 75 or over.<\/p>\n The DWP launched a new trial at the end of last year to help boost Pension Credit take up among pensioners after new analysis showed large regional disparities, with uptake lowest in the South West.<\/p>\n Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: \u201cWe\u2019re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country\u2019s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.\u201d<\/p>\n You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age \u2013 which is currently 66 for both men and women \u2013 to qualify for Pension Credit.<\/p>\n When you apply for the benefit your income is calculated and this includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment and most social security benefits.<\/p>\n