State pensioners on low incomes are set to receive up to £484 extra in Pension Credit payments from April, following a 3.9% uplift to standard rates under Andy Burnham's Government. The benefit is available to people of State Pension age on low incomes in England, Scotland or Wales to help with living costs.
The payment can be claimed even if the applicant has other income, savings or owns their own home, and it is paid separately from the State Pension. The Government has confirmed the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit will rise by 3.9% from April, matching the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2026.
New rates for single pensioners and couples
From April 2027, the standard Pension Credit rate will increase from £239 per week to £247.30 for single pensioners, a weekly boost of up to £9.30 or around £484 annually. For pensioner couples, the joint weekly rate rises from £363.25 to £377.40, giving claimants up to £14.15 more per week, or around £736 extra per year.
The uprating is the same as that applied to both the basic and new State Pensions in the 2027 to 2028 tax years, with the Government stating the uplift will help protect the incomes of the poorest pensioners. When applying for Pension Credit, income is calculated taking into account the State Pension, other pensions, savings, earnings and any social security benefits, which can affect eligibility or reduce payments.
Government confirms triple lock commitment
Confirming the new April 2027 rates, 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.
"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.
"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 checks urged for missing pensioners
Around 1.4 million pensioner households are already benefiting from Pension Credit and will benefit from the 3.9% uplift from April, but according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners may still be missing out on the support. The DWP began sending letters to 660,000 households last month urging pensioners to check their eligibility and start claiming the benefit, which is currently worth more than £4,500 on average per year.
Qualifying for the benefit can also open the door to other financial help, including a Council Tax discount, help with heating and energy costs, and a free TV licence for those over 75. 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.
"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."
