People in the UK may be able to claim a DWP benefit to boost their weekly income if they are above state pension age.
Pension Credit is a benefit aimed to help out pensioners on a lower income. The rates of Pension Credit have recently increased by 3.1 percent in line with the state pension increase.
This means people claiming Pension Credit could benefit from a more generous weekly amount. There are two elements of Pension Credit, known as Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
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Guarantee Credit provides the highest amount of support, according to the Express. Pensioners claiming Guarantee Credit could get their income topped up, to a maximum level of:
- £182.60 if they are single
- £278.70 if they have a partner
Savings Credit pays out a lower amount to people who have more income. Recipients of Savings Credit could get up to:
- £14.48 a week if they are single
- £16.20 a week if they are in a couple
It is only available to people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016. Additional amounts of Pension Credit could be available to people depending on their circumstances.
For example, someone might get extra help if they are a carer, severely disabled or if they are responsible for a child or young person. Receiving Pension Credit also entitles people to extra benefits, which include:
- Housing Benefit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Council Tax Reduction
- A free TV licence if they are aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with heating costs
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