DWP handing state pensioners bumper £238 a week - but changing qualifying age

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed higher Pension Credit rates from April, increasing the weekly top-up for eligible state pensioners. The benefit, which is tax-free and income-related, provides £238 per week for single claimants and £363.35 for those with a partner. Pension Credit is linked to the qualifying age for the State Pension, which is set to rise from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. The system includes Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, with Guarantee Credit covering the gap between existing income and an “appropriate amount.” Savings Credit has closed to new entrants from 6 April 2016. Eligibility also depends on whether one or both members of a couple have reached the qualifying age, with rules updated from 15 May 2019.