State pensioners could unlock a free TV licence and help with council tax by claiming an underused Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit. It comes as more than 12 million pensioners are now receiving a boost to their State Pension after payments rose from April 6, 2026.
Both the basic and new State Pensions increased by 4.8% under the Triple Lock guarantee. The full rate of the new State Pension has risen from £230.25 to £241.30 a week, while the full basic State Pension has increased from £176.45 to £184.90 a week. The Government says the increase means millions of pensioners will receive up to £575 more over the year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households. This government will always protect our pensioners, and that’s why we are raising the full rate of new State Pension by up to £575 this coming year.”
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell added: “After a lifetime of work and contribution, people deserve a decent retirement. Raising the State Pensions faster than prices, ensuring it is a pension they can rely on, is how we make that a reality for millions.”
Alongside the State Pension rise, Pension Credit has also increased by 4.8%. The benefit is worth an average of £4,300 a year and is designed to top up the income of older people on lower incomes.
However, up to 910,000 eligible households fail to claim the benefit, leaving approximately £2.5billion in support unclaimed each year.
The benefit unlocks additional support, including Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit if you rent, Support for Mortgage Interest if you own your home, and cold weather payments.
Those aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can also apply for a free TV licence.
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. If you have a partner, you must include them in your claim.
You will be eligible if both of you have reached State Pension age, or if one of you is receiving Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £238 if you are single, or £363.25 for couples.
If your income is higher than this, you might still qualify if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings or face housing costs.
Your income includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings and most social security benefits such as Carer’s Allowance.
However, some benefits are not counted as income. These include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Winter Fuel Payment.
Savings of £10,000 or less do not affect Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 above that level counts as £1 a week in income.
For example, £11,000 in savings would count as £2 a week. Extra amounts may also be available. You could receive an additional £86.05 a week if you get Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment or certain disability benefits.
If you receive Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment, you could get an extra £48.15 a week.
There are also additional payments for those responsible for children or young people, and for disabled children.
The Government has said that by the end of this Parliament, pensioners’ annual incomes are expected to rise by up to £2,100 under the Triple Lock commitment.
The increased expenditure from uprating in 2026/27 is estimated to be £11billion, including £6billion more on State Pensions and pensioner benefits.
For pensioners who think they may qualify, Pension Credit not only provides a regular income top-up but can open the door to extra help that many people do not realise they are entitled to.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
