The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners with a severe disability can receive an additional £86.05 per week from July 2026. This increase, part of the 3.8% uplift applied from April 6, 2026, means eligible claimants can now get up to £4,474.60 extra annually on top of their Pension Credit payments.
Who is eligible for the severe disability extra amount?
Pension Credit claimants who are single or part of a couple where one person qualifies for the severe disability premium can receive the weekly top-up. To be eligible, pensioners must already receive one of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Armed Forces Independence Payment, the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or the middle or highest rate care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
The uplift applies to those who reached State Pension age in England, Scotland, or Wales and are on a low income. Current claimants have already seen the increase in their payments since April, while new claimants reaching State Pension age in July will receive the higher rate from their first payment.
Pension Credit rates increased in line with earnings
Pension Credit rates rose by 4.8% at the start of the new tax year on April 6, 2026, matching the State Pension increase. This means single claimants can now top up their weekly income to £238, while couples can achieve a joint weekly income of £363.25. The additional amount for severe disabilities increased by 3.8%, in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for September 2025.
Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State (Minister for Lords), confirmed the increases in November 2025: "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 the poorest pensioners are protected." She added that other benefits would rise by 3.8%, including those for additional needs arising from disability.
State Pension age changes affect eligibility timing
The UK State Pension age is gradually rising from 66 to 67, implemented in one-month increments. Under the DWP timetable, individuals born between May 6, 1960, and June 5, 1960, will reach State Pension age in July 2026 at 66 years and two months old. Once they reach this age, they become eligible to claim Pension Credit if they meet the low-income criteria.
Pension Credit not only provides the severe disability extra amount but also unlocks other financial support, including Housing Benefit, Winter Fuel Payment (worth up to £300), Council Tax discount, free TV licences for those aged 75 or over, £150 off winter energy bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme, and help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs.
How to apply for Pension Credit
To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland, or Wales. Applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age or at any time afterward, but backdating is limited to three months. This means you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.
Potential claimants can use the Government's online Pension Credit calculator to estimate their entitlement. For further assistance, the Pension Service helpline is available at 0800 99 1234 to check eligibility for extra amounts.
