The Department for Work and Pension ( DWP ) recently confirmed that close to 78 per cent of new Pension Credit claims are completely processed within 50 working days - the targeted timeframe.

DWP beginning payments worth nearly £4,000 for state pensioners 'within 50 days'

by · Birmingham Live

The Department for Work and Pensions is set to rollout payments worth around £3,900 annually to state pensioners. The Department for Work and Pension ( DWP ) recently confirmed that close to 78 per cent of new Pension Credit claims are completely processed within 50 working days - the targeted timeframe.

Recent figures from the DWP reveal that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they're entitled to. Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age (currently 66).

Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living. This minimum is set at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples. These amounts may be higher if you're disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.

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Savings Credit is only available under specific conditions: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it and you have qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple. Guarantee Credit supplements your weekly income to a certain level. You might be eligible for more if you're disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.

Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact amount you'll receive depends on your income and savings. Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account. If you're struggling financially, but have used the government calculator or rung the helpline and been told you aren't eligible for Pension Credit, you may still be able to get support elsewhere.

For example, if you've reached state pension age but your partner hasn't, you probably won't be able to get Pension Credit, but you may be able to claim Universal Credit.