The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that from April 2025, key rates of Pension Credit will rise, meaning qualifying pensioners can receive at least £227.10 a week if they are single.
For couples, the guaranteed minimum income will be higher, giving low-income pensioners extra protection against rising living costs.
This £227 weekly support is not a brand-new benefit, but an updated guarantee level inside Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).
If your weekly income is below this level, Pension Credit tops it up to the new minimum.
What Is the £227 Weekly Support?
The £227.10 per week figure is the guarantee level for a single pensioner on Pension Credit in the 2025/26 financial year.
It ensures that no eligible single pensioner’s income falls below that weekly amount.
Key points:
- Benefit name: Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit
- Purpose: Top up low pension incomes to a minimum weekly level
- Applies from: April 2025 onwards
- Paid by: DWP directly into your bank, building society or credit union
Who Qualifies for the £227 Weekly Support?
You may qualify for this DWP weekly support if you meet the main rules:
- You are at or above State Pension age.
- You live in the UK.
- Your weekly income is below £227.10 if you are single (a higher minimum applies for couples).
- You have savings and investments that do not push your assessed income too high.
Income usually includes:
- State Pension
- Other workplace or private pensions
- Most benefits and earnings
You can sometimes still get Pension Credit even if your income is slightly above the basic level, for example if you:
- Receive disability benefits
- Are a carer
- Have certain eligible housing costs
Owning your own home does not stop you claiming. Savings above a certain level can reduce how much you get, but it is still worth checking whether you qualify.
When Will Payments Arrive?
Once your Pension Credit claim is approved, the £227 weekly support is usually paid:
- Every four weeks, in arrears
- Directly into your bank, building society or credit union account
The new 2025 rates are expected to start from April 2025, in line with other annual benefit upratings.
If you become eligible earlier but apply later, your first payment can sometimes include backdated amounts, usually for up to three months, if you met the conditions during that period.
Payment dates can shift slightly around bank holidays, with some payments arriving earlier than usual.
Key Details of DWP £227 Weekly Support 2025
| Detail | Single Pensioner | Couple (combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum weekly income (2025/26) | £227.10 per week | Higher guaranteed couple rate |
| Type of support | Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit | Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit |
| Who pays it? | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) | DWP |
| Typical payment frequency | Every 4 weeks, in arrears | Every 4 weeks, in arrears |
| How to get it | Make a Pension Credit claim | Make a joint claim if eligible |
How to Claim the £227 Weekly Support
You do not receive this money automatically just because you get the State Pension. You must apply for Pension Credit.
You can usually claim:
- Online via the official Pension Credit service
- By phone using the Pension Credit claim line
- By post with a paper claim form
You can:
- Apply up to a few months before reaching State Pension age
- Ask for your claim to be backdated, normally up to three months, if you were already eligible
Because Pension Credit also unlocks extra help with Council Tax, housing costs, winter bills and NHS charges, it is important for anyone on a low pension income to check their entitlement.
The DWP £227 weekly support for 2025 offers vital protection for older people on low incomes.
By guaranteeing at least £227.10 a week for eligible single pensioners, and a higher minimum for couples, Pension Credit helps cover everyday essentials and opens the door to further support such as help with housing costs, energy bills and NHS charges.
FAQs
No. The £227.10 per week figure is the updated minimum income level for Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) for single pensioners in 2025/26. It is part of Pension Credit, not a separate scheme.
No. Only those who meet the eligibility rules and successfully claim Pension Credit are topped up to this level. Pensioners with higher incomes will not qualify.
Yes. You can still get Pension Credit if you have savings or own your home. Higher savings may reduce your award, but many people are surprised to find they still qualify, so it is worth checking.
