State pensioners can claim £344 boost every four weeks through single DWP payment

Joe Sledge
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:31:20 +0000

State pensioners living with severe disabilities can receive up to £344.20 in additional payments every four weeks through a single claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This support is paid on top of standard Pension Credit, which provides weekly top‑ups for those on lower incomes.

The severe disability addition increased on April 6 as part of new tax-year changes, rising from £82.90 to £86.05 per week.

As Pension Credit is typically paid every four weeks, eligible pensioners can receive £344.20 over that period alongside their usual entitlement.

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The £86.05 weekly rate applies to single pensioners or couples where one partner meets the qualifying criteria, reflecting the 4.8 per cent uplift applied to Pension Credit rates this month.

Over a full year, the additional payment totals £4,474.60 on top of standard Pension Credit.

To qualify for the severe disability addition, pensioners must already be receiving certain benefits linked to care or disability needs.

These include Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance.

Armed Forces Independence Payment also qualifies, as does the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment.

Those receiving Pension Age Disability Payment or the middle or highest care rate of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance are also eligible.

The DWP uses receipt of these benefits as the key condition for awarding the additional payment.

Claiming Pension Credit can also unlock a wider range of financial support. Eligible pensioners may receive Housing Benefit and a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

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Those aged 75 or over may qualify for a free TV licence, while Council Tax reductions are also available.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides £150 off winter energy bills for eligible households, and additional help is available with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs.

The DWP said: “Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8 per cent and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licenses.

"Between 2026 and 2027, the Government will provide a £6billion boost to spending on state pensions and pensioner benefits.”

To receive Pension Credit, applicants must have reached state pension age and be living in England, Scotland or Wales.

Claims can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age or at any point afterwards.

Backdating is limited to three months, meaning pensioners may receive up to three months of payments in their first instalment if they were eligible during that period.

Anyone wanting to check their entitlement can use the Government’s online Pension Credit calculator for an estimate.

Alternatively, the Pension Service helpline is available on 0800 99 1234 for those seeking further information about eligibility and additional payments.