Pension Credit Applications Fell 36 Percent Year Over Year While Payment Rates Rise in April 2026

Applications for Pension Credit fell 36 percent in the 12 months ending February 2026 compared with the prior year, GB News reported. Which? analysis of Department for Work and Pensions data showed 209,735 applications submitted between February 2025 and February 2026, down from 326,842 in the preceding period.

Weekly applications peaked near 10,000 during a temporary surge tied to the Winter Fuel Payment linkage before declining to roughly 4,000. GB News reported that the Guarantee Credit element currently tops up weekly income to at least £227.10 for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples. Those amounts will rise from April 2026 to £238 for single pensioners and £365.25 for couples.

Carers may receive an additional £46.40 per week, increasing to £48.15 from April 2026, while households with children can obtain up to £77.78 extra per child each week. Recipients may also access Housing Benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest loans, council tax reductions, Cold Weather Payments, reduced water bills, discounted broadband tariffs, and NHS cost assistance including free dental treatment and help with glasses.

Households with someone aged 75 or over receiving Pension Credit can qualify for a free TV licence.

DWP research cited by GB News found that many successful applicants discovered eligibility only after submitting a claim they viewed as unlikely. People aged 75 and over were particularly likely to learn of eligibility by chance, while those aged 66 to 74 more often heard about the benefit directly from the department.

The three most common reasons for applying were difficulty managing on low income, a change in circumstances such as bereavement or ill health, or encouragement from family, friends or an advice organisation.