The DWP has revealed that 77 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit were processed within 50 working days last year – here’s what it means for claimants.
Thousands of pensioners could potentially receive a significant cash boost by the end of July. Those eligible for Pension Credit, which is worth up to £4,300 a year, could soon get their first payment and any arrears.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 77 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit were processed – from initial application to award decision letter – within the target timeframe of 50 working days last year. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell recently stated that the current, average processing time is 52.8 working days – just over 10 weeks.
As highlighted by the Daily Record, this implies that older people on a low income making a new claim this month, particularly those who are no longer entitled to the annual Winter Fuel Payment, could receive their first payment and any arrears by the end of July. Processing times will fluctuate depending on the complexity of cases – some may be completed sooner while others may take a bit longer. The full New State Pension is worth £230.25 per week and the full Basic State Pension worth £176.45.
However, it’s important for all older people – single, married or cohabiting – to ensure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis. Older people making a successful new claim for Pension Credit before September this year will qualify for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment and the higher rate of the devolved Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland-only).
Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit, is designed to offer additional financial support to older individuals on a low income, both singles and couples. Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are receiving this means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £4,300 in extra support in the upcoming months.
Some elderly individuals believe that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit, which can also grant access to assistance with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. However, even an award of just £1 per week can unlock other forms of support.
How much could you receive?
There are two types of Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (66). Your weekly income needs to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living.
This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple. These amounts could be higher if you’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit is only available if you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or if you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it. Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to:
- £227.10 for a single person
- £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting).
If you’re disabled or a carer, or have certain housing costs, you might be eligible for more than the standard amount. Savings Credit can provide up to £17.30 a week for a single person and £19.36 a week for a couple (whether married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting).
The exact sum you’ll receive depends on your income and savings, including assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Older people, or their friends and family, can swiftly check eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.