Low-income pensioner couples will receive up to £377.40 a week from next April after Andy Burnham's government confirmed a 3.9% rise in Pension Credit for the 2027/28 tax year. The increase matches the uplift applied to the basic and new State Pension.
New weekly rates confirmed
The uplift, tied to rising average weekly wages, will take joint Pension Credit from £363.25 to £377.40 a week from April. That gives couples an extra £14.15 per week, equivalent to £735.80 over a year. Single pensioners will also see their rate rise by 3.9%, from £238 to £247.30 a week.
Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: "I am pleased to announce that the basic and full rate of the new State Pensions will be increased by 3.9%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2026."
He added: "This delivers on our triple lock commitment throughout this Parliament to increase these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%."
State Pension increases
From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension will increase by around £490, while the full annual rate of the basic State Pension will rise by around £375.
McFadden also confirmed: "The standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit will also increase by 3.9% in line with the increase in average weekly earnings. From April, it will be £247.30 a week for a single pensioner and £377.40 a week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of the poorest pensioners are protected."
Eligibility and take-up drive
To claim Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age, be on a low income and live in England, Scotland or Wales. Your income is calculated including State Pension, other pensions, savings, earnings and any social security benefits, which can affect eligibility or reduce payments. If you have a partner, they must be included on the application, and you are eligible if both of you have reached State Pension age and one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) defines a partner as a husband, wife or civil partner you live with, or someone you live with as a couple without being married or in a civil partnership. In the current tax year, joint weekly income under £363.25 is likely to qualify, rising to £377.40 from April. Those with higher income may still qualify if they have a disability, care for someone, have savings or have housing costs.
Around 1.4 million pensioner households already benefit from Pension Credit and will receive higher payments from April, but hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners may still be missing out. To boost take-up, the DWP last month began sending letters to 660,000 households urging pensioners to check eligibility and claim the benefit, which is currently worth more than £4,500 on average per year. The benefit also opens the door to other support, including a council tax discount, help with heating and energy costs, and a free TV licence for those over 75.
