Pension Credit is worth around £86 per week on average and also unlocks access to Winter Fuel Payment and other financial support

State pensioners are being encouraged to increase their income by approximately £86 per week through a single application to the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ).

Pension Credit offers pensioners on a low income additional funds to assist with living costs, worth around £86 a week on average, according to the DWP. It also unlocks a range of other financial assistance, including the Winter Fuel Payment, a Council Tax discount and support with heating bills, making it well worth applying for if you are eligible.

The DWP has this week reminded pensioners to check whether they qualify, as Cold Weather Payments have been made to almost 1.5 million households — a payment received automatically by those claiming Pension Credit.

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

The DWP stated 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.”

Pension Credit is available to those who have reached State Pension age in England, Scotland or Wales and are on a low income. It supplements your weekly earnings up to £227.10 if you are single, or your combined weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner, though these figures are set to rise by 4.8% from April.

From the beginning of the new tax year, the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will increase from £227.10 per week to £238, providing single claimants with an additional £10.90 per week, equating to an annual uplift of £566.80.

The joint rate is also set to climb, moving from £346.60 per week to £363.25, giving couples an extra £16.65 per week, or £865.80 more each year.

When submitting a claim, your income is assessed and takes into account your State Pension, any additional pensions, earnings from both employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits.

The DWP’s Pension Credit calculator can provide an estimate of your potential entitlement, and applications can be submitted up to four months before reaching State Pension age.

Whilst applications can be made at any point after reaching State Pension age, backdating is limited to three months, meaning your first payment may include up to three months’ worth of Pension Credit if you were eligible throughout that period.

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.

Pensions Minister 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.”