State pensioners on a low income can access eight extra payments and discounts worth more than £8,000 with a single claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The financial boost comes from the DWP benefit Pension Credit, which is awarded to people of State Pension age in England, Scotland or Wales on a low income to help with living costs.
Pension Credit is paid separately to the State Pension and in the 2026 to 2027 tax year it can top up weekly income to £238 for single claimants, or joint weekly income to £363.25 for those with a partner. The DWP says the benefit is worth £4,300 per year on average, but it is historically one of the most under-claimed benefits in the UK, with an estimated 850,000 households currently not claiming it when they could be.
Gateway to further help
Beyond the weekly top-up, Pension Credit acts as a gateway benefit to further help, including free TV licences, a Council Tax discount and the £150 Warm Home Discount, among others. This unlocks around £8,329.90 worth of support in total.
Listed below are all the extra payments and discounts state pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit could get from the DWP.
Payments and discounts available
Pension Credit - £4,300: This tops up weekly income to £238 if you're single or joint weekly income to £363.25 if you have a partner, and is worth an average of £4,300 per year according to the DWP.
Housing Benefit - £1,000: If you rent your home and get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you're eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council. This isn't a fixed amount, but Martin Lewis' MSE says you could get around £1,000 per year, and potentially have your rent paid in full.
Free TV Licence - £180: Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV Licence, effectively cutting their annual bill from £180 down to £0.
Council Tax discount - £1,600: Pension Credit claimants can get a Council Tax discount. The exact amount depends on your local council, but it can be anything from around £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill up to around £1,600 for a 100% discount.
Further support
Additional help includes the Warm Home Discount, which provides £150 off electricity bills, and other benefits such as free dental care, help with health costs, and discounts on travel. These extras, combined with the main Pension Credit payment, can total more than £8,000 in annual support for eligible pensioners.
