State Pensioners Born Before Specific Years to Receive £2,991 Increase

State pensioners born before specific years might be eligible for a yearly boost of £2,991. This is due to a change in the state pension system from eight years ago, which has left millions of pensioners receiving less money than they need to live on.

State Pensioners Could Claim Extra £2,522 with Simple Application

With a simple claim, state pensioners born in certain years could receive an extra £2,522, along with additional benefits, according to Express.

The state pension system changed in 2016. People who retired before then, like men born before April 6, 1951, and women born before April 6, 1953, are on the old basic state pension, which pays £169.50 a week, or £8,814 a year.

The new state pension, for those who retired after April 2016, pays more—£221.20 a week, or £11,502 a year.

Even though older pensioners can’t switch to the new state pension, they can still increase their income. By claiming Pension Credit, they can top up their weekly payments to an amount closer to what people on the new state pension receive.

Pension Credit Can Boost Income for State Pensioners with Extra Benefits

Pension Credit can boost your income to £218 a week, giving you a total of £11,336 per year. This means if you're on the older basic state pension and have a lower weekly income, you could get an extra £2,522 annually.

On top of that, you’d still qualify for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment if you claim Pension Credit, bringing your total extra payments to £2,822.

You’d also receive a free TV licence, which is worth £169.50, bringing your total boost to £2,991.50. This doesn’t even include any council tax discounts or housing benefits you might qualify for, depending on where you live.

To apply, just call the Pension Credit hotline at 0800 99 1234.