The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing an additional £66.60 payment to a specific group of state pensioners in July. This increase represents a 4.8% boost, equating to an extra £16.65 per week for eligible couples.
Pension Credit Increase Details
The DWP has raised Pension Credit for qualifying state pensioner couples. The standard payment for couples will now be up to £363.25 per week, up from £346.60. This means an extra £66.60 in July for couples. Single claimants will see their weekly income topped up to £238.
Eligibility for New Claims
Generally, you cannot make a new claim for Pension Credit if your partner is under State Pension age. However, exceptions exist if you reached State Pension age before May 15, 2019, and have been claiming Housing Benefit since before that date. You can also claim as an individual if your partner is ineligible due to immigration status.
Income and Savings Considerations
When applying, you need to provide details of your weekly income, including private pensions, State Pension, most earnings, and benefits like Jobseeker's Allowance. Savings or investments over £10,000 affect the amount, with each £500 above £10,000 treated as £1 weekly income. If your weekly income is below £238 (or £363.25 for couples), Guarantee Credit will top it up.
Additional Amounts for Special Circumstances
Severe Disability
You may receive an extra £86.05 per week if you receive certain benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance care component, Personal Independence Payment daily living component, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
Carer's Allowance
If you care for another adult and receive Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, you could get an extra £48.15 per week. This applies even if you are not paid Carer's Allowance due to receiving a higher benefit. Both partners can qualify if each has claimed or is getting Carer's Allowance.
