The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a £562 one-off payment for certain pension-age claimants, with funds being issued automatically to eligible recipients.
The support is aimed at older households on low incomes, particularly those receiving means-tested benefits. While reports reference pensioners born before 1961, eligibility depends on benefit entitlement — not date of birth alone.
Here’s what has been confirmed, who qualifies and what to expect.
What Is the £562 Payment?
The £562 payment is a targeted support measure, not a permanent increase to the State Pension.
It is typically linked to:
- Cost-of-living support
- Backdated Pension Credit entitlement
- Means-tested benefit top-ups
The amount is paid as a single instalment and does not alter weekly pension rates.
Why Pensioners Born Before 1961 Are Mentioned
People born before 1961 are generally at or above State Pension age in 2026.
However:
- Being born before 1961 does not automatically qualify someone
- Eligibility is tied to benefit status during a qualifying period
The age reference reflects likely pension-age eligibility rather than a stand-alone rule.
Who Is Eligible?
The £562 payment is most likely to apply to pensioners receiving:
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit (in some mixed-age household cases)
Pension Credit claimants are the primary group expected to qualify.
Those receiving only the State Pension without additional means-tested support may not qualify.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
Payments are typically:
- Issued automatically
- Paid into the same bank account as regular benefits
- Delivered within a defined payment window
The £562 will appear as a separate transaction with a DWP reference.
There is usually no need to apply.
Why This Matters in 2026
Although inflation has eased, many pensioners still face:
- Higher energy costs
- Increased food prices
- Rising council tax bills
- Fixed retirement incomes
A one-off £562 payment can help cover essential costs, particularly during colder months.
The Pension Credit Link
One of the key gateways to this payment is Pension Credit.
Thousands of eligible pensioners do not currently claim Pension Credit, according to charities such as Age UK.
Qualifying for Pension Credit can unlock:
- Additional cost-of-living payments
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing support
- Free TV licences for over-75s (in qualifying households)
If your income is below the threshold, checking eligibility could make a significant difference.
Is the £562 Taxable?
Previous cost-of-living payments have been:
- Non-taxable
- Excluded from benefit cap calculations
- Disregarded in means-tested benefit assessments
Final confirmation is provided in official DWP guidance.
What If You Don’t Receive the Payment?
If you believe you qualify:
- Confirm you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the assessment period.
- Check your bank statement for a separate DWP reference payment.
- Wait until the full payment window closes.
- Contact the DWP helpline if necessary.
Have your National Insurance number and benefit details available.
Wider Support Available
Beyond the £562 payment, pensioners may also access:
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Cold Weather Payments
- Council hardship schemes
- Local authority discretionary funds
Many older households are eligible for more support than they realise.
Scam Warning
When support payments are announced, scams increase.
Remember:
- DWP does not request bank details via text or email
- You do not need to “apply” through social media links
- Payments are automatic for eligible recipients
Always use official GOV.UK sources.
FAQs
Is everyone born before 1961 eligible?
No. Eligibility depends on receiving qualifying benefits.
Do I need to apply?
No. Payments are typically automatic.
Is this a State Pension increase?
No. It is a one-off support payment.
Will it affect other benefits?
It is generally disregarded in benefit calculations.
Is the payment taxable?
Usually not, but check official guidance.
What if I don’t receive it?
Wait until the payment window closes, then contact DWP.
Does State Pension alone qualify?
Usually no, unless combined with Pension Credit.