Weekly DWP £346 Pension Credit in 2025 – Here’s How to Apply

If you’re a low-income pensioner in the UK, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds every year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligible state pensioners—both single and those living as a couple—could receive up to £346.60 per week in 2025 under the Pension Credit program.

This extra help is designed to cover everyday living expenses for older individuals and is especially helpful during times of high inflation. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the DWP £346 Pension Credit 2025, from who qualifies to how much you could get.

Support

The Pension Credit is a top-up payment added to the regular State Pension for eligible retirees. In 2025, single pensioners can receive up to £227.10 weekly, while couples may get up to £346.60 combined. This is a modest increase from previous years and is meant to ease the burden of living costs.

Over 1.4 million older people in Great Britain are already receiving this benefit, but shockingly, more than 750,000 families may qualify and have yet to apply. If you’re one of them, this is the time to check.

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Types

Pension Credit comes in two parts:

• Guarantee Credit: This ensures your weekly income meets the minimum amount set by the government
• Savings Credit: This rewards those who have made small savings or receive a slightly higher pension than average

You may qualify for one or both parts depending on your financial situation.

Rates

Here’s a quick breakdown of the updated weekly payment amounts for 2025:

These payments can add up to over £4,300 per year in extra support, which is especially helpful for those managing rent, bills, and daily expenses.

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Eligibility

To receive Pension Credit in 2025, here’s what you need to qualify:

• You live in England, Scotland, or Wales
• You or your partner are of State Pension age
• Your weekly income is below £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple)
• If you have savings over £10,000, every £500 above that adds £1 to your income calculation

It doesn’t matter if you own your home or have other small sources of income—many people still qualify.

Application

There are three simple ways to apply:

• Online: Visit the Pension Credit page on gov.uk
• Phone: Call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Post: Download the claim form from the gov.uk website and mail it to the Freepost address

New claims are typically processed within 50 working days, and if approved, back payments are included from the time of your application.

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Impact

This benefit doesn’t just boost your income. If you qualify for even a small amount of Pension Credit, you could also unlock:

• Free NHS dental care
• Help with housing costs
• Council Tax reductions
• Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payment
• Free TV licence if you’re over 75

These extras can add up to significant annual savings.

Awareness

Despite its importance, Pension Credit remains one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK. Many seniors think they won’t qualify because they have a little savings or own property. But you could still get a few pounds a week, and that alone opens doors to many other forms of help.

DWP urges all pensioners to check their eligibility. You can even use the free Pension Credit calculator on the gov.uk website to see what you might get before applying.

If you’re eligible, don’t wait. Missing out could mean losing more than £3,000 every three months in total value from support services and payments.

FAQs