State pensioners with a severe disability can receive an extra £86.05 a week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Pension Credit, after the additional amount was increased by 3.8% on April 6. The top-up is paid on top of the main Pension Credit payment and is worth £4,474.60 over a full year.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. The standard minimum guarantee was raised by 4.8% from April 6, allowing eligible single claimants to have their weekly income topped up to £238, while couples can have their joint weekly income raised to £363.25.
Who qualifies for the severe disability addition?
The £86.05 weekly addition applies to single pensioners or couples where one partner qualifies. According to the DWP, claimants can get up to this extra amount if they receive any of the following benefits:
- Attendance allowance
- Middle or highest rate from the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Middle or highest rate of the care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Minister’s statement on the uprating
Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State (Minister of Lords), confirmed the 3.8% increase to the additional amount last November. She 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. 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. This includes most working-age benefits and other benefits for people below State Pension age; benefits to help with additional needs arising from disability; Statutory Payments including Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay; and Additional State Pension. The Pension Credit Savings Credit maximum amount will also increase by 3.8%."
Other help available with Pension Credit
Claimants who receive Pension Credit may also qualify for 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.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has inherited the current Pension Credit system from Sir Keir Starmer and former Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Given Mr Burnham's pledge to lead a "cost of living government", a major overhaul of Pension Credit and its additional allowances is considered unlikely. Any changes would probably not be announced until the Autumn Budget, to be delivered by new Chancellor John Healey in late October or November, and would not take effect until the next tax year beginning April 6, 2027.
How to claim Pension Credit
To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. You can apply up to four months before reaching State Pension age, or at any time after, but applications can only be backdated by three months. This means eligible pensioners can receive up to three months of Pension Credit in their first payment.
The Government's online Pension Credit calculator can provide an estimate of what you may get, and the Pension Service helpline is available on 0800 99 1234 for eligibility checks.
