State pensioners are being urged to boost their income by around £86 per week with a single claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money to help with living costs and is worth around £86 a week on average, according to the DWP. But it also opens the doors to a wealth of other financial support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax discount and help with heating bills, so it’s well worth claiming if you qualify. The DWP has this week issued a reminder to pensioners to check their eligibility as Cold Weather Payments have been paid to almost 1.5 million households – a payment you receive automatically if you get Pension Credit.

The government launched a take-up campaign last year for Pension Credit which helped boost the number of claimants, but thousands may still be missing out on the support they are entitled to.

The DWP said this week: “Pensioners on low incomes can apply for Pension Credit, worth on average £86 a week on average, which also provides access to other support including help with housing costs and free NHS dental treatment.

“The Government’s biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign has seen thousands more pensioners claim the support they are entitled to.

“A new trial to boost take up in partnership with Age UK and Independent Age ran last year with letters sent to 2,000 pensioners identified as being the most likely to be eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming the benefit.”

You can get Pension Credit if you’re of State Pension age in England, Scotland or Wales and on a low income. 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, but these rates are due to increase by 4.8% from April.

From the start of the new tax year, the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will rise from £227.10 per week to £238, giving single claimants an extra £10.90 per week, amounting to an annual cash boost of £566.80.

The joint rate is also increasing, rising from £346.60 per week to £363.25, giving couples an extra £16.65 per week, or £865.80 more annually.

When you apply for the benefit 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.

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Pension Credit is paid separately to the State Pension and if you’re eligible to claim it, it also unlocks access to help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts, the Winter Fuel Payment, NHS treatment costs, and a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said at the end of last year: “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.”