Pension Credit Disability Element Set for Increase from April 6
Older individuals receiving Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the Adult Disability Premium may be eligible for an additional £344.20 every four weeks starting next month. According to online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), state pensioners on the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), PIP, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) could qualify for extra Pension Credit.
Weekly and Four-Week Payment Increases
The disability element of Pension Credit is currently valued at £82.90 per week, which totals £331.60 over a four-week pay period. However, this amount is scheduled to rise to £86.05 per week, equating to £344.20 every four weeks, effective from April 6. This adjustment is part of the annual benefits uprating exercise conducted by the government.
Changes for Couples and Carers
For couples over State Pension age where one person claims a disability benefit, the extra weekly payment will increase from £82.90 to £86.05. In cases where both partners qualify for Pension Credit, the combined payment will rise from £165.80 to £172.10 weekly.
Individuals receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment will see the additional element of Pension Credit increase from £46.40 to £48.15 per week.
Eligibility Rules and Special Circumstances
If you are claiming as a mixed-age couple, where only one partner is over pension age, you must apply for Universal Credit until the younger partner reaches pension age. Prior to May 15, 2019, couples could claim Pension Credit and housing benefit if just one had reached pension age; those who qualified under this rule can continue receiving Pension Credit provided they meet other conditions.
For claimants over pension age on Universal Credit, there are no work-conditionality requirements. Additionally, Pension Credit is paid indefinitely during hospital stays as long as all other qualifying conditions are satisfied.
