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  "path": "/money/state-pensioner-cost-of-living-boost",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-03T05:00:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "State pension age CONFIRMED as 100,000 Britons could be pushed into poverty under DWP overhaul",
    "State pension rises to £241.30 as DWP benefit increases take effect",
    "DWP issues triple lock update as state pensioners face rising cost of living",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nLow-income pensioners across England, Scotland and Wales will see an increase in their income from April 6 as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) raises Pension Credit payments.\n\nThe standard minimum guarantee will rise by 4.8 per cent, in line with average earnings growth.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFor single pensioners, weekly payments will increase from £227.10 to £238, an uplift of £10.90 per week.\n\nAs the benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this equates to up to £43.90 more per payment period.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nCouples will see their joint weekly rate rise from £346.60 to £363.25, an increase of £16.65 per week.\n\nOver a full year, single pensioners receiving the maximum entitlement could gain £566.80, while couples could receive an additional £865.80 annually.\n\nPension Credit also provides access to wider financial support, which can significantly increase its overall value.\n\nOn average, the total support available through the benefit is estimated to be worth around £3,000 per year, when additional entitlements are included.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nClaimants aged 75 and over may qualify for a free TV licence, alongside support such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.\n\nAdditional help with heating costs is also available, particularly during colder months.\n\nThe benefit is paid separately from the state pension, and eligibility is not limited to those without other income or savings.\n\nApplicants may still qualify even if they have other pensions, earnings or own their home.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * State pension age CONFIRMED as 100,000 Britons could be pushed into poverty under DWP overhaul\n  * State pension rises to £241.30 as DWP benefit increases take effect\n  * DWP issues triple lock update as state pensioners face rising cost of living\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWhen the increase was confirmed in November, Baroness Sherlock said: \"The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent in line with the increase in average earnings.\"\n\nShe added: \"From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of poorest pensioners are protected.\"\n\nPensions Minister Torsten Bell added: \"We're committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can.\"\n\nMr Bell added: \"Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"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.\"\n\nTo qualify for Pension Credit, individuals must have reached state pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales.\n\nThe DWP assesses income when calculating eligibility, including state pension payments, other pensions, earnings and most benefits.\n\nApplications can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age.\n\nClaims can also be backdated by up to three months, meaning those already eligible may be able to receive payments for a previous period.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "State pensioners given major monthly cost of living boost after DWP update"
}