Starting in April, certain pensioners could see an increase of up to £344 every four weeks from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This boost comes as part of the annual benefits uprating, increasing the disability element within Pension Credit payments.
Pension Credit is a means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to support pensioners with low incomes by raising their weekly income to at least £227.10 for singles or £346.60 for couples. Alongside the standard payments, eligible recipients can also receive additional amounts, including the disability element.
Currently, the disability element amounts to £82.90 per week, which totals £331.60 over four weeks. From 6 April, this will increase to £86.05 per week, roughly £344.20 per four-week period.
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Eligibility for this increased disability element applies to pensioners who receive benefits such as the middle or highest rate of the care component of the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance or similar disability benefits. In couples where one partner qualifies, the additional weekly payment will also rise from £82.90 to £86.05. If both partners qualify, the total payment will increase from £165.80 to £172.10.
Carers receiving the Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment will also benefit from a rise in the disability element of Pension Credit, moving from £46.40 to £48.15 per week.
Pensioners or their friends and family can easily check eligibility and estimate potential payments using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK. Claims can be made by calling the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234, which operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Applications for Pension Credit can begin up to four months before reaching State Pension age. Claims can also be made thereafter, though backdating is limited to three months, allowing for up to three months of arrears in the first payment if eligible.
When applying or backdating, pensioners will need to provide details about their income, savings, and investments as of the desired claim start date. Applications can be completed online or via the helpline.