Retirees on a low income may be entitled to a £344.20 Pension Credit boost if three conditions are met, according to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to help those over State Pension age and on a low income with living costs with a weekly top-up.
When you apply for Pension Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculates your income, calculating couples' income together in a joint pot, the UK Government website explains. From Monday, April 6, it's been upped by 4.8% to £238 if you're single, and £363.25 for couples. This is known as the Standard Minimum Guarantee.
Incomes are calculated against these thresholds, with the DWP providing the difference if you fall below that. It can also soften the blow of housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges, by factoring your home into the benefit award calculation.
Other benefits include potential access to Severe Disability Addition of £86.05 per week (2026-27) for people who live alone or couples where one person qualifies, on top of the minimum guarantee.
That means you get an additional £344.20 every four weeks, on top of Pension Credit, if you're eligible for the full amount.
Couples where both people are eligible can receive up to £172.10 added to the threshold. However, you have to meet three key criteria to get it.
The DWP says pensioners can get the additional payment if they get one of the following benefits:
You must also live alone, i.e. not with other family members or carers - though you can be living with your partner.
Additionally, you must not have anyone paid Carers Allowance (CA) looking after you, though one member of the couple can still claim the single person's threshold boost even if their partner is getting CA-backed support.
You can find out about Pension Credit and all the benefits associated with it here.
