The disability element of Pension Credit is set to rise to £86.05 per week
Certain pensioners could be due an extra £344 a month as of April. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to increase the disability element of its Pension Credit rates.
Pension Credit is a means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to help pensioners on a low income with their daily living costs. It tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner.
However, there are certain add-ons you can get if you qualify for Pension Credit. This includes what is known as the disability element of Pension Credit.
This is currently worth £82.90 per week, which amounts to £331.60 every four-week pay period. But, as reported by the Daily Record, this is set to rise to £86.05 per week, some £344.20 every four-week pay period, from April 6 as part of the annual benefits uprating exercise.
According to information on GOV.UK, the disability element of Pension Credit is available if you get any of the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- The middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- The daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- The middle or highest rate of the care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Similarly, a couple over State Pension age claiming Pension Credit where one person is claiming a disability benefit, currently receives an extra £82.90 each week. This will also rise to £86.05. Where both couples qualify for Pension Credit this payment will increase from £165.80 to £172.10.
If someone is paid Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment they will see the extra element of Pension Credit go up from £46.40 to £48.15.
Check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are currently open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
- Independent Age
- Income Max
- Citizen’s Advice
- Age UK
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
You will need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about your income, savings and investments
- Your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post
If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. You can apply online here or you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.