DWP £331.60 Financial Boost from April 2025: Check Eligibility Criteria

From April 2025, thousands of pensioners in the UK could be entitled to a financial boost of up to £331.60 every four weeks, thanks to the increase in Pension Credit.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging older people to check their eligibility, as many may not realise they qualify. This increase is part of the government’s annual benefits rise, helping low-income pensioners manage the rising cost of living.

What’s Changing in Pension Credit from April 2025?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for pensioners with low income. From April 2025, the disability element of Pension Credit will increase:

• Weekly payment: From £81.50 to £82.90
• Four-week payment: From £326 to £331.60

For couples where one person receives a disability benefit, the additional amount will also increase to £82.90 per week.

Carers Could Receive More Support Too

If you are a carer receiving Carer’s Allowance, or have an underlying entitlement to it (for example, if you receive State Pension), you may also be eligible for extra help through Pension Credit:

• Carer’s premium increase: From £45.60 to £46.40 per week
• This applies even if you’re not being paid full Carer’s Allowance due to overlapping benefits

How Much Can You Get on Pension Credit?

Pension Credit ensures your income is topped up to the minimum guarantee level:

• £218.15 per week for a single pensioner
• £332.95 per week for couples

If your income is lower than this, or just slightly above, you could still qualify for some level of Pension Credit, especially if you receive disability benefits, are a carer, or have other qualifying circumstances.

Are You Missing Out?

According to the DWP, while 1.4 million pensioners currently receive Pension Credit, around 760,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming what they’re entitled to. That’s potentially £4,200 a year being missed out on by thousands of older people.

Common Misunderstandings That Stop People Claiming

Many pensioners wrongly assume they don’t qualify for Pension Credit if they:

• Own their home
• Have some savings or a private pension
• Live with family

In reality, you may still qualify. Pension Credit is means-tested, not dependent on whether you own a home or have modest savings. It’s worth checking even if you’re unsure.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

You can check in two ways:

• Online: Use the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK
• By phone: Call the Pension Credit Helpline on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
• Have details ready about your income, savings, and any benefits or pensions you receive.

Extra Help If You Qualify for Pension Credit

Getting Pension Credit can also open the door to other valuable support, including:

• Housing Benefit (if you rent your home)
• Support for Mortgage Interest (if you own your home)
• Council Tax reduction
• Free TV licence (if you’re aged 75 or older)
• Free NHS dental care, prescriptions, and glasses
• Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount
• Discounted Royal Mail redirection if you’re moving house

These extras can significantly reduce your monthly outgoings, helping you to manage rising costs and live more comfortably.

With the Pension Credit disability top-up increasing to £331.60 every four weeks from April 2025, now is the time to check if you or someone you know could be eligible. Thousands of older people are missing out on up to £4,200 a year, simply because they haven’t checked their entitlement.

Whether you’re single, in a couple, a homeowner, or have modest savings, it’s worth using the online calculator or calling the Pension Credit helpline. A quick check today could lead to a valuable boost in your weekly income and open up access to extra financial support.

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