Overview
- The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed a 4.8% increase to Pension Credit from April that will translate into higher July payments, roughly £48 a month for single pensioners and about £66.60 for couples.
- After the rise the Guarantee Credit minimums top up weekly income to around £238 for single claimants and about £365 for couples, though exact awards depend on each person’s income and savings.
- Applications have fallen sharply despite the rise, with DWP data examined by Which? showing 209,735 claims between Feb 2025 and Feb 2026 compared with 326,842 in the prior year, a drop of about 36%.
- An estimated 2.3 million people are eligible for Pension Credit but roughly 910,000 do not claim, and experts warn many wrongly assume homeownership, modest savings or a private pension disqualify them.
- Charities and consumer groups are urging checks and applications via GOV.UK or the Pension Credit phone line because claiming can unlock multiple additional payments and practical support; eligibility rules vary by age, savings above £10,000 and whether applicants qualify for Guarantee or Savings Credit.