State pensioners with a severe disability can receive an additional £86.05 per week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the 2026 to 2027 tax year, on top of their Pension Credit payment and State Pension.
People who have reached State Pension age and are on a low income in England, Scotland and Wales can claim Pension Credit to top up their weekly income and help with living costs. According to the DWP, the benefit is worth £4,300 per year on average, and in the 2026 to 2027 tax year it can raise weekly income to £238 for a single person, or £363.25 for a couple.
Additional amounts for severe disability
The additional Pension Credit amounts rose by 3.8% on April 6, meaning eligible pensioners with a severe disability claiming in the 2026 to 2027 tax year can get the extra £86.05 per week from the DWP. This rate applies to single pensioners or couples where one person qualifies, and over a full year it amounts to £4,474.60 in additional payments, on top of Pension Credit.
According to the DWP, pensioners can get up to £86.05 per week extra if they receive any of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Armed Forces Independence Payment, the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or the middle or highest rate of the care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
Budget and future changes
Prime Minister Andy Burnham inherits the current Pension Credit system from his predecessors Sir Keir Starmer and ex-Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with the benefit set to continue under his premiership. Mr Burnham has vowed to lead a “cost of living government”, so a huge overhaul to Pension Credit and its additional allowances is unlikely. Any changes would probably not be announced until the Autumn Budget, which new Chancellor John Healey will deliver on October 28. If changes are announced in the Budget, they would likely not take effect until the next tax year beginning April 6, 2027.
Confirmation of the rise
Confirming the 3.8% rise to the Pension Credit additional amount for severe disabilities in November last year, Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State (Minister of Lords), 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 support and eligibility
Beyond the extra disability amount, Pension Credit also opens the door to other financial support, including housing benefit, a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300, a Council Tax discount, free TV licences for those 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, among others.
To qualify for Pension Credit, 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 any time after, but your application can only be backdated by three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
You can use the Government’s online Pension Credit calculator to estimate how much you could get, and can contact the pension service helpline on 0800 99 1234 to check if you’re eligible for extra amounts.
