DWP confirms when new £4,300 a year financial boost Pension Credit claims will be paid - check if you're eligible
The DWP has confirmed that nearly 78% of all new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target timeframe of 50 working days
Senior couple using laptop and smartphone at home
(Image: Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed that nearly 78 per cent of all new Pension Credit claims are processed - from the initial application to the award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means that older people on a low income, particularly those living alone, could receive their first payment and any arrears by mid-October if they make a new claim this month.
Despite the full New State Pension now being worth £230.25 per week and the full Basic State Pension worth £176.45, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that in 2021, approximately 3.3 million people aged 65 years and over were living alone in England and Wales.
It's vital for all older people - whether single, married or cohabiting - to ensure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing impact of the cost of living.
Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit and is specifically designed to provide additional financial support for older people on a low income - both singles and couples. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are currently receiving this means-tested benefit that could provide an average of £4,300 in extra support during the coming months.
Some elderly individuals mistakenly think that owning their property or having savings disqualifies them from the means-tested benefit, which can also offer help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax, according to the Daily Record, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A weekly award of just £1 is enough to unlock additional support. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
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Who qualifies for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes in two types: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (currently 66).
Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government considers necessary for living. This minimum is set at £227.10 for single people and £346.60 for couples.
You have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple
You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it
Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to a certain level. You might qualify for more if you're disabled, a carer, or have specific housing costs.
Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact sum you'll receive depends on your income and savings.
Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account.
How to check your eligibility
Older couple sorting finances
(Image: Getty Images)
You can verify your eligibility for Pension Credit via the government's Pension Credit calculator here. To use the calculator, you'll need details about yourself and your partner, if applicable, when answering some questions included in the calculator:.
After answering the questions, a summary screen will display your responses, giving you the opportunity to revise any answers before final submission. The Pension Credit calculator then reveals the potential weekly benefit you could receive.
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You can submit an application online via GOV.UK here. Alternatively, you can apply by post by printing and completing the Pension Credit claim form and sending it to the DWP Pension Service or ring the claim line to request a form.
Complete details of the application process can be found here.
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