Pension Credit has increased from today in a boost for retirees. The means tested benefit is designed to help those over State Pension age and on a low incomes with living costs with a weekly top up.

Pension Credit can also soften the blow of housing costs such as ground rent or service charges, by factoring your home into the benefit award calculation. When you apply for Pension Credit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculates your income, calculating couples’ income together in joint pot, the UK Government website explains.

For the 2025/2026 financial year Pension Credit topped up your weekly income to £227.10 for single people, and £346.60 if you have a partner.

But from today (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 caculated against these thresholds, with the DWP providing the difference if you fall below that.

However, even if your income exceeds these benchmarks, you may still be able to claim Pension Credit as part of the Guarantee Credit element of the benefit.

This includes if have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or housing costs.

The Government says the benefit is worth an average of £4,300 a year, as well as unlocking further support like council tax and free television licenses, in addition to housing.

The State Pension has also increased by 4.8% from today (both in line with wage growth as part of the Triple Lock Guarantee).

The full rate of the new State Pension has jumped from £230.25 to £241.30 a week, while the full basic State Pension has risen from weekly payments of £176.45 to £184.90.

You can find out more about State Pension and Pension Credit eligibility and other benefits on the UK Goverment website.