Single pensioners living alone and on a low income will see their Pension Credit payments rise to up to £247.30 per week from April 2027, following a 3.9% uplift confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The increase, which applies in the 2027 to 2028 tax year, is in line with the rise in average weekly earnings and matches the uplift being given to both the basic and new State Pension from April. Around 1.4 million pensioners already claiming Pension Credit, which provides extra money to those on low incomes to help with living costs, will benefit from the higher rates.
New weekly rates for single pensioners and couples
From April 2027, the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit will rise from £238 per week to £247.30 for single pensioners living alone. This represents a weekly boost of up to £9.30, or up to £438.60 more per year for those entitled to the maximum amount.
Couples will also see a 3.9% increase, with the joint rate set to rise from £363.25 per week to £377.40 from April. This gives claimants up to £14.15 extra per week, or up to £735.80 more per year.
Government confirms triple lock commitment
Confirming the 3.9% boost, 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%. From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension will increase by around £490. The full annual rate of the basic State Pension will increase by around £375."
McFadden also noted that the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 3.9% in line with average weekly earnings, rising to £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.
DWP drives Pension Credit uptake
The DWP last month began a fresh drive to boost Pension Credit uptake by posting letters to 660,000 pensioner households in Glasgow, Powys, Stockton-on-Tees, inland Cornwall, Birmingham, East Suffolk and Manchester, urging pensioners to check their eligibility.
Many pensioners may not realise that Pension Credit can be claimed even if they have other income, savings or own their own home, and could be missing out on support they are entitled to. The benefit also unlocks access to other financial perks, including help with housing costs, a council tax reduction, free TV licences and help with NHS treatment costs.
When applying for Pension Credit, income is calculated, including State Pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits. The DWP's Pension Credit calculator can provide an estimate of how much could be received, and applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age. Applications can be backdated by three months, so eligible pensioners could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in their first payment.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: "Far too many pensioners are missing out on support they're entitled to. Pension Credit is worth more than £4,500 a year on average and can make a real difference to people's finances, while also opening the door to help with bills and other everyday costs."
He added: "If you think you might be eligible, it's worth checking. We want to make sure pensioners get the support they're entitled to and don't miss out on money that could help them in retirement."
