Single state pensioners on low incomes can get up to £238 extra cash through a benefit available under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The money is available to pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales who are eligible for Pension Credit, which is paid separately to the State Pension.
Following a 4.8% uplift in April, the benefit can now top up your weekly income to £238 if you’re single, up from £227.10 per week previously. This figure is the maximum amount you can get per week and as Pension Credit is a top-up to your weekly income, the exact amount you'll get may differ based on individual circumstances.
Burnham inherits current system
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham inherits the current Pension Credit system from his predecessors Sir Keir Starmer and now ex-Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with the existing payment rates remaining in force. Mr Burnham has vowed to lead a “cost of living government” so a major overhaul to Pension Credit, and the rates at which it’s paid, is unlikely.
Any potential changes to Pension Credit would not be announced until the Autumn Budget later this year in late October or early November, so for now, pensioners on a low income should check their eligibility for the benefit as they can start reaping the financial benefits now.
Drop in applications
According to the latest DWP statistics published in March, there was a 34% decrease in Pension Credit applications in the 2025/26 financial year compared to the year before, while 24% fewer claims were awarded in the same period.
Many pensioners may not realise that Pension Credit can be claimed even if you have other income, savings or you own your own home, and could be missing out on support they are entitled to as a result.
Additional perks
As well as being worth £4,300 per year on average, Pension Credit can also give you access to help with housing costs, a council tax reduction, free TV licences and help with NHS treatment costs, among others.
Earlier this year, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.
“I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.”
How to apply
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated, which includes your state pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment and most social security benefits. You can use the DWP’s Pension Credit calculator to get an estimate of how much you could get and you can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months, so you’ll get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
