DWP Confirms Extra £48.15 Weekly Payment for Eligible State Pensioners

State Pension-age carers on a low income may qualify for an additional £48.15 per week through Pension Credit, providing extra financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This additional amount is available to eligible carers alongside their regular Pension Credit entitlement.

Extra £48.15 Weekly Pension Credit Payment for Carers

People of State Pension age living in England, Scotland, and Wales who care for another adult and receive Pension Credit may be entitled to an extra £48.15 each week.

For the 2026/27 tax year, Pension Credit can increase weekly income to:

• £238 for a single person
• £363.25 for couples

Eligible carers can receive the additional £48.15 weekly payment, following the 3.8% increase introduced in April 2026.

Who Qualifies for the Additional Carer Amount?

According to DWP guidance, you may receive the extra payment if:

• You or your partner receive Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment (Scotland).
• You or your partner have an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment because another higher-paying contributory benefit prevents payment.

If both partners meet these conditions, the additional amount is paid to each, effectively doubling the extra support.

How Much Could You Receive?

Pension Credit is paid every four weeks.

• Extra weekly amount: £48.15
• Extra every four weeks: £192.60

Someone receiving the maximum £238 weekly Pension Credit could receive approximately £1,144.60 every four weeks, including the additional carer amount.

This payment is made separately from the State Pension, providing an extra source of financial support. Pension Credit may still be available even if you have savings, other income, or own your home.

What Happens if Carer’s Allowance Ends?

The DWP states that the additional Pension Credit amount usually continues for eight weeks after Carer’s Allowance or underlying entitlement ends.

However:

• If Carer’s Allowance has already continued for eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for, the extra Pension Credit payment stops immediately.
• For those receiving Carer Support Payment in Scotland, the payment can continue for up to 12 weeks following the cared-for person’s death.

Pension Credit Opens the Door to More Financial Support

Pension Credit is worth an average of around £4,300 per year and can unlock several additional benefits, including:

• Council Tax reductions
• Housing support
• Help with NHS treatment costs
• Free TV licence for eligible people aged 75 and over

These extra benefits can significantly improve financial security for older households.

Many Eligible Pensioners Are Still Missing Out

Government figures show that only 62% of eligible pensioners currently claim Pension Credit. As a result, an estimated £2.5 billion in support remains unclaimed each year—equivalent to roughly £2,600 annually for each eligible person who does not claim.

DWP data also shows that Pension Credit applications fell by 34% during the 2025/26 financial year compared with the previous year, highlighting that many older people may still be missing valuable financial assistance.

Consumer finance specialist Sarah Pennells from Royal London has also highlighted that Pension Credit is a valuable “gateway benefit,” giving eligible pensioners access to further support with housing costs, NHS expenses, and free TV licences for those aged 75 and over.

The £48.15 weekly Pension Credit carer addition offers valuable extra income for eligible State Pension-age carers. Beyond the cash payment, Pension Credit can provide access to several other forms of financial assistance, making it worthwhile for anyone who thinks they may qualify to check their eligibility and submit a claim.