DWP £4,300 retirement boost available for people living on their own | Personal Finance | Finance

enero 2, 2026 3.722

People living on their own all across the UK could receive an extra financial boost through the DWP. Payments from the government department can particularly help support someone’s retirement funds.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently verified that nearly 78% of all new Pension Credit claims are processed – from the initial application to the award decision letter – within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks). This suggests that elderly individuals on a low income, particularly those living alone, could receive their first payment and any arrears by mid-February if they make a new claim this month.

Despite the full New State Pension now standing at £230.25 per week and the full Basic State Pension at £176.45, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that in 2021, approximately 3.3 million people aged 65 years and over were residing alone in England and Wales.

As Britain prepares for extended periods of colder, wetter weather and escalating winter energy bills, it’s vital for all elderly individuals – whether single, married or cohabiting – to ensure they’re claiming all the additional financial support they’re entitled to this year. This will help augment their income and counterbalance the ongoing impact of the cost of living.

Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit, is designed to provide extra financial assistance for older people on a low income – both singles and couples. At present, nearly 1.4 million elderly people across the UK are receiving this means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £4,300 in additional support in the upcoming months.

Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

There are two categories of Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached the State Pension age (66). Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government considers necessary for living.

This is £227.10 for an individual and £346.60 for a couple – these figures could be higher if you’re disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only be eligible for Savings Credit if:

you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it
you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple

How to check eligibility for Pension Credit

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.

How to claim Pension Credit

You can apply for Pension Credit through the GOV.UK website, by ringing 0800 99 1234, or via a paper application form.

Pension Credit is available to those who have reached state pension age and live in England, Scotland, or Wales. The current state pension age is 66 for both men and women.