Married pensioners with a weekly State Pension below £363 could be entitled to additional financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Nearly 1.4 million older individuals across Great Britain, including over 125,000 in Scotland, currently receive Pension Credit—a means-tested benefit that provides an average of £4,300 in extra assistance annually. However, the DWP estimates that approximately 760,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming this top-up.
Eligibility for Pension Credit
Married pensioners with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25, or single pensioners earning below £238.00, may qualify for Pension Credit. The DWP encourages older people to check their eligibility and apply. Many assume that savings or homeownership disqualify them, but even a £1 weekly award can unlock additional support for housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax.
Processing Times
The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78% of new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means that older people on low incomes filing a claim this month could receive their first payment and any arrears before the end of August.
What Counts as Income
Income includes State Pension, other pensions, earnings from employment or self-employment, and most social security benefits like Carer's Allowance. However, certain benefits are excluded, such as Adult Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance, DWP Christmas Bonus, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Personal Independence Payment, social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
Savings and Investments
Savings of £10,000 or less do not affect Pension Credit. For amounts above £10,000, every £500 over counts as £1 of weekly income. For example, £11,000 in savings results in £2 of weekly income.
How to Check Eligibility
Individuals can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Expert assistance is available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Additional Benefits
Qualifying for Pension Credit also provides access to Housing Benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest, Council Tax discounts, free TV licenses for those aged 75+, help with NHS costs, Warm Home Discount, and a discount on Royal Mail redirection services.
Mixed Age Couples
Since May 2019, mixed age couples (one partner of State Pension age, the other under) are treated as working age for means-tested benefits. They cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both reach State Pension age.
Making a Claim
Applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age. Claims can be backdated up to three months. Required information includes National Insurance number, income, savings, investments, and bank details. Claims can be submitted online if the applicant has already claimed State Pension and no children are included.
