Older people receiving Attendance Allowance or certain rates of Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Adult Disability Payment may be entitled to additional Pension Credit, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. This also applies to those in Scotland claiming Pension Age Disability Payment.
The disability element of Pension Credit is worth £86.05 per week for single pensioners, totalling £344.20 every four weeks. For couples where one person claims a disability benefit, the same amount applies; if both qualify, it rises to £172.10 per week.
Carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment can get an extra £48.15 per week. Those with an 'underlying entitlement' to these benefits—where they are not paid due to a higher income-related benefit—may also qualify.
Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain currently receive Pension Credit, with an average of £4,300 in support per year. However, over 700,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming it, often due to misconceptions about savings or home ownership.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a minimum of £238.00 for single pensioners or £363.25 for couples. It also provides access to help with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. Eligibility can be checked via the online Pension Credit calculator or by calling the helpline on 0800 99 1234.
