• The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 per year and it opens doors to other support, including help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills

Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said:

“We want every pensioner to receive all they help they can and with time ticking down to deadline day and the window drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to check out our Pension Credit calculator and make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out on this vital support. In many cases, it’s an open goal to more money in your pocket.”

Pension Credit is designed to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.

It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples. Those figures will go up next April following last week’s Autumn Statement but DWP wants to ensure people claim their entitlement today and boost their incomes right away.

Nearly 1.4 million pensioners currently receive Pension Credit, but there are still many spectators on the sidelines missing out.

Checking eligibility and applying by 10 December 2023 means pensioners could still receive the extra Cost of Living payment – this is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.

Other benefits are also available to those on pension credit such as assistance with housing and council tax costs, as well as scoring extra help with heating bills.

Pension Credit forms part of a package of support from the DWP for pensioners: the Winter Fuel Payments season has started – bolstered again this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – while last week the Government also confirmed next April’s Triple Lock boost to State Pensions.

As Deadline Day approaches, now is the time to get those Pension Credit claims in.

Claiming is straightforward, you can apply via phone, post or go online. The Pension Credit calculator can help you check eligibility and see what you could get.

Further Information

• Applications for Pension Credit can be made: 
  • On the How to Claim page 
  • Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm) 
  • By printing out and filling in a paper application form 
  • For more information visit the Pension Credit GOV.UK page.
• More information on Winter Fuel Payments and the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment can be found here: Up to £600 winter support for pensioners arriving in bank accounts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)