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A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment change today will give pensioners on low incomes up to £566.90 extra cash per year. People of State Pension age in England, Scotland and Wales on a low income can get extra money from the DWP by claiming Pension Credit. The benefit is paid separately from the State Pension and you can claim it even if you have other income, savings or you own your own home.

Not only does Pension Credit top up your income, it also unlocks access to wealth of other financial support including housing costs, a Council Tax reduction, free TV licences and help with NHS treatment costs, among others. From today, April 6, Pension Credit is rising by 4.8%, in line with the State Pension, making it worth £4,300 per year on average, according to the DWP.

The 4.8% uplift takes the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee up from £227.10 per week to £238 - a weekly increase of £10.90.

Over a full year, this amounts to a maximum of £12,376 in Pension Credit payments, up from £11,809.20 previously, giving pensioners up to £566.80 extra cash annually.

The joint Pension Credit rate is also rising from April 6 from £346.60 per week to £363.25, giving couples an extra £16.65 per week, or up to £865.80 more annually if you get the maximum amount.

Confirming the State Pension and Pension credit increases on Saturday, April 4, the DWP said: "The Government has already delivered above-inflation increases worth up to £395 in real terms over this Parliament. By its end, pensioners' annual incomes are expected to rise by up to £2,100 - boosting financial security for millions.

"Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% 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 £6 billion boost to spending on State Pensions and pensioner benefits.

"The increases come into effect as the government takes wider action to ease pressure on household finances, including raising the National Living Wage, cutting an average of £150 from household energy bills, lifting the two child limit and freezing rail fares and prescription charges."

To help boost Pension Credit take up among pensioners, the DWP launched a trial at the end of last year after new analysis showed large regional disparities, with uptake lowest in the South West.

At the time, Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: "We're committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.

"I'd urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country's pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to."

To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. When you apply, your income is calculated and this includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment and most social security benefits.

You can use the DWP's Pension Credit calculator to get an estimate of how much you could get and you can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.

You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months, so you'll get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.