The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing state pensioners with additional care responsibilities a monthly payment boost of £208.65 through a single claim. Pensioners on a low income who qualify for Pension Credit can receive an extra £48.15 per week on top of this if they care for another adult. Over a full year, this amounts to an extra £2,503.50 from the DWP, or approximately £208.65 per month when averaged across 12 months.
Eligibility for the Carer Boost
Pensioners are entitled to this extra cash if they receive Carer's Allowance (or Carer Support Payment in Scotland), or have claimed Carer's Allowance but are not being paid because they are receiving another benefit at a higher amount. The DWP confirmed that Pension Credit was uplifted by 4.8% for the 2026/27 tax year, now worth around £4,300 per year on average.
How Pension Credit Works
Pension Credit is paid separately from the State Pension, effectively acting as a top-up to regular payments. It can be claimed even if you have other income, savings, or own your own home. The standard Pension Credit payment is now worth up to £238 per week for single claimants, with additional cash for those caring for another adult.
Increase in Carer Amount
The weekly amount for carers also increased for the 2026/27 tax year, rising by 3.8% from £46.40 to £48.15 per week—a weekly increase of £1.75, or an extra £91 per year. For those qualifying for the full rate, this amounts to £2,503.80 in additional DWP payments annually, on top of Pension Credit and the State Pension, or around £208.65 per month. If a pensioner and their partner both qualify, the amount is doubled.
Official Confirmation
Confirming the 3.8% rise to the Pension Credit additional amount for severe disabilities in November last year, Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State (Minister of 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 the poorest pensioners are protected." She added: "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."
Additional Benefits from Pension Credit
Beyond the carer boost, Pension Credit opens the door to other financial support, including Housing Benefit, a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300, a Council Tax discount, a free TV licence if 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.
DWP Guidance on Carer Amount
Explaining the Pension Credit extra amount for carers in guidance published in May 2026, the DWP said: "Your customer may be able to get this extra amount of £48.15 a week if: they (or their partner if they have one) are getting Carer's Allowance, or in Scotland, Carer Support Payment; they (or their partner if they have one) has claimed Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment and would be getting it if they did not already have another contributory benefit paying a higher amount (we call this 'underlying entitlement')." The guidance added: "If each partner satisfies either one of these conditions, the extra amount is doubled. When Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment stops or underlying entitlement ceases, the Pension Credit extra amount for carers is paid for a further eight weeks." For customers in receipt of Carer Support Payment, this period is extended to 12 weeks following the death of a cared-for person.
