The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners with a severe disability can receive an additional £86.05 per week on top of their Pension Credit from July. This top-up, which increased by 3.8% in April, is available to those who have reached state pension age and are on a low income.
Pension Credit rates rose by 4.8% on April 6, lifting the weekly guarantee to £238 for single claimants and £363.25 for couples. The severe disability addition, now at £86.05 weekly, amounts to £4,474.60 over a full year. Claimants receiving benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment may qualify.
Individuals born between May 6 and June 5, 1960, will become eligible for Pension Credit in July when they reach state pension age. The state pension age is gradually rising from 66 to 67 in one-month increments. Baroness Sherlock confirmed the uprating in November, noting it aligns with inflation.
Beyond the direct payment, Pension Credit unlocks other support including housing benefit, Winter Fuel Payment up to £300, council tax discounts, free TV licences for over-75s, and help with NHS costs. Applications can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age and backdated by three months.
