John Hughie
Thousands of low-income pensioners in the UK are missing out on vital financial help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
In 2025, the DWP £346 Pension Credit is available to eligible individuals and couples, offering up to £346.60 weekly to support living expenses.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet on your State Pension, this credit could significantly improve your financial stability.
Let’s explore how this benefit works, who can claim it, and how you can get paid weekly.
What Is DWP Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to support low-income pensioners. It boosts your income to a minimum level and may also unlock other benefits such as free NHS dental care, Cold Weather Payments, and Council Tax reductions.
There are two parts to Pension Credit:
- Guarantee Credit: Tops up your income if it’s below the minimum threshold.
- Savings Credit: Extra money for those who’ve saved for retirement (only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016).
Weekly Payment Rates for 2025
Here is the breakdown of the weekly amounts pensioners can receive in 2025:
| Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single (Guarantee Credit) | £227.10 |
| Couple (Guarantee Credit) | £346.60 |
| Savings Credit (Single) | £17.01 |
| Savings Credit (Couple) | £19.04 |
| Severe Disability Addition | £82.90 |
| Carer Addition | £46.40 |
| Child Addition (per child) | £61.88 |
Over the course of a year, the average Pension Credit payout totals approximately £4,300, offering critical financial relief.
Eligibility for DWP £346 Pension Credit 2025
You may qualify for this benefit if:
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- You or your partner are of State Pension age.
- Your weekly income is below:
- £227.10 (if single)
- £346.60 (if living as a couple)
Even if you have savings, you may still qualify. For savings over £10,000, the DWP adds £1 for every £500 to your income when calculating eligibility.
How to Apply for Pension Credit
The DWP has streamlined the application process. Choose one of the following methods:
- Online: Visit the official government Pension Credit portal and apply digitally.
- Phone: Call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm).
- Post: Download and fill out the form from gov.uk, then mail it to the Freepost address provided.
The DWP confirms that over 78% of new claims are processed within 50 working days, with payments (including any backdated amounts) usually starting within the same month.
Why This Benefit Is So Important
Nearly 1.4 million pensioners in Great Britain are receiving Pension Credit, including over 125,000 in Scotland. Still, over 750,000 eligible households haven’t applied.
Many pensioners mistakenly believe owning property or having modest savings makes them ineligible — this is false.
Even qualifying for £1 per week could entitle you to other valuable benefits. These include help with heating costs, housing, TV licenses, and more.
Don’t Miss Out – Check Your Eligibility Today
The DWP is urging pensioners to check their eligibility using the Pension Credit calculator online. It takes just a few minutes and could lead to an extra £346 every week.
Whether you’re single or part of a couple, this benefit can significantly improve your financial wellbeing in retirement.
The DWP £346 Pension Credit 2025 offers vital support for low-income pensioners, ensuring that no one has to struggle financially in retirement.
With an average payout of £4,300 annually, it’s one of the most impactful but underutilized government benefits available.
If you or someone you know meets the criteria, don’t wait — apply today and take control of your financial future.
FAQs
Can I still claim Pension Credit if I have savings?
Yes. Savings over £10,000 are considered, but do not disqualify you. £1 is added to your income for every £500 above this amount.
How long does it take to receive my Pension Credit payments?
Most applications are processed within 50 working days, with payments often starting the same month if submitted early.
Do I need to reapply each year?
No, once approved, your Pension Credit continues unless your circumstances change. However, the DWP may review your case periodically.
