State pensioner couples across the UK can get a £363.25 per week benefit from Monday, April 6, following a benefit change.

The new tax year begins today which means a wealth of benefits and pension payments are being uplifted, giving eligible claimants a welcome injection of cash. Among the benefits rising from Monday is Pension Credit, which can be claimed by people of State Pension age in England, Scotland and Wales on a low income to help with living costs. Pension Credit is paid separately to the State Pension and you can get it even if you have other income, savings or you own your own home.

From April 6, the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee is rising by 4.8%, in line with the State Pension, which means it is now worth an average of £4,300 per year, according to the DWP.

The benefit is paid at two different rates depending on whether you are a single claimant, or claiming as a couple. So for pensioners with a partner, Pension Credit now tops up your joint weekly income to £363.25, up from £346.60, giving couples £16.65 extra per week, or up to £865.80 more annually if you get the maximum amount.

For single pensioners, Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £238 from April 6, up from £227.10 previously, giving claimants a weekly boost of £10.90, or up to £566.80 annually if you get the full amount.

But as well as the extra cash boost under the new rates from April 6, Pension Credit also gives claimants access to a string of other support, including housing costs, a Council Tax reduction, free TV licences and help with NHS treatment costs, among others.

Confirming the State Pension and Pension credit increases this month, 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.”

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.