Struggling state pensioners on a low income can get up to £43.60 extra per month from April, with one claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). People who have reached State Pension age in England, Scotland or Wales and are on a low income can get extra money from the DWP by claiming Pension Credit. The benefit is paid separately from your State Pension and you can get it even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

Plus, if you get Pension Credit, it also opens the door to a whole host of other financial support, including Housing Benefit, a Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over, and help with heating bills, among others. According to the UK government, it’s worth around £3,000 per year on average and with all the additional financial help it gives you access to, it’s well worth claiming if you’re eligible.

The DWP has now confirmed the new rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year which will see the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee rise by 4.8% from April 6.

This increase will take the weekly rate up from £227.10 to £238 – a rise of £10.90 per week. As Pension Credit is usually paid every four weeks, it means eligible pensioners can get up to £43.90 extra per month under the new April rates.

Over a full year, it amounts to £12,376 in total payments if you get the full amount, up from £11,809.20, giving pensioners up to £566.80 more annually.

The joint Pension Credit rate is also going up from April 6, rising from £346.60 per week to £363.25, giving couples an extra £16.65 per week, or £865.80 more annually.

Confirming the increase in November last year, Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State (Minister for Lords) said: “The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings.

“From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of poorest pensioners are protected.

“Other State Pension and benefit rates covered by my statutory review will be increased by 3.8%, in line with the increase in the consumer prices index in the year to September 2025.

“This includes most working-age benefits and other benefits for people below State Pension age; benefits to help with additional needs arising from disability; Statutory Payments including Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay; and Additional State Pension. The Pension Credit Savings Credit maximum amount will also increase by 3.8%.”

To help boost Pension Credit take up among pensioners, the DWP launched a trial at the end of last year after new analysis showed large regional disparities, with uptake lowest in the South West.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “We’re 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.

“I’d 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’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.”

To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. 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.

You can use the DWP’s Pension Credit calculator to get an estimate of how much you could get and you can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.

You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months, so you’ll get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.