Some people could be entitled to receive thousands of extra support from the Department for Work and Pensions
Linda Howard and Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
12:33, 01 Oct 2025Updated 12:36, 01 Oct 2025
Older people have been urged to check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit(Image: Getty)
Pensioners have been urged to check if they’re eligible for an annual cash boost of £4,300. With the onset of colder weather and rising energy bills, it’s vital that all older people ensure they’re claiming all the additional financial support they’re entitled to.
Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit, specifically designed to provide extra financial assistance for older people on a low income – both singles and couples. As reported by the Daily Record, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are currently receiving this means-tested benefit which could offer an average of £4,300 in additional support in the upcoming months.
Some elderly people believe that having savings or owning their home would make them ineligible for this means-tested benefit, which can also grant access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. However, an award of just £1 per week is sufficient to unlock other forms of support.
There are two kinds of Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (currently 66).
Your weekly income needs to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. The amount is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple – this could be more if you’re disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit is only available if:
You reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, or your partner reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving itYou have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a coupleWhat might you receive from the DWP?
Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to:
£227.10 for a single person£346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or living together)
You may be eligible for more than this if you’re disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can provide up to:
£17.30 a week for a single person£19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or living together)
The exact amount you’ll receive depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000.
Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.