Those in receipt of Pension Credit will automatically receive the increase in their pensions – just under £9 a week – from April.
The standard minimum guarantee will see payments go up for a single person from £218.15 a week to £227.10 a week.
For a couple that’s from £332.95 a week to £346.60 a week.
There are additional elements available if you’re a carer, you’re disabled, you’re looking after children, or if you have savings and reached state pension age before April 2016.
Pension Credit tops up your income if you’re above state pension age. It is also known as a gateway benefit, as it unlocks other perks such as council tax discounts and free TV licences for over-75s.
More than 45,000 extra pensioners have been awarded Pension Credit since the Winter Fuel Allowance became means-tested.
A record number of applications have been made since the changes were announced, with eligible claimants being awarded up to £4,300 a year.
This followed news on July 29 2024 that from winter 2024, Winter Fuel Payments would be dependent on receiving another means-tested benefit, as part of measures to fill a “black hole” in the public finances.
This meant the number of pensioners receiving the payment would be reduced by around 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall says: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to reach so many pensioners who need to be on Pension Credit, which can be a lifeline to so many on low incomes.
“The record high number of claims awarded follows months of work to drive awareness of Pension Credit and then to process the huge spike in applications we received, and now thousands more pensioners are accessing the range of support on offer.
‘If you are a low income pensioner, you’re struggling and you don’t get pension credit, go online or call the pension credit helpline.’@MartinSLewis explains who’s eligible for pension credit and how people can claim it. pic.twitter.com/WiR41f9E3K
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) September 5, 2024
“We won’t stop there. We are absolutely committed to ensuring every pensioner is supported in their retirement – whether through our ongoing Pension Credit campaign, extending the Household Support Fund and our commitment to the Triple Lock on the State Pension.”
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit provides a lifeline in retirement to pensioners on low incomes, providing access to additional support, including housing costs, council tax and the Winter Fuel Payment.
The online claim form means it now takes just 16 minutes on average to apply for Pension Credit and be eligible for up to £4,300, with 90 per cent of new customers applying using the simple online form, or over the phone.
Can I still apply for Pension Credit?
Absolutely. To apply for Pension Credit or check if you’re eligible, you can apply online, call on 0800 99 1234, or print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form (or call the claim line to request a form) and post the completed form free to: Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3.
You can backdate your claim for Pension Credit by up to three months, and the sooner you claim, the sooner you can start receiving payments. Not only that, but, if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, you’ll be able to get extra help with costs such as rent and Council Tax, which could make a big difference.
Anyone who knows a low-income pensioner who may be isolated and needs support has been urged to remind or assist family members and friends to check their eligibility and apply today.
Eligible claims can also be backdated by up to three months, ensuring pensioners do not miss out on the support they are entitled to.
