The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a limited-time opportunity for eligible pensioners to secure a £720 boost to their income. With the application deadline set for 15 August 2025, thousands of retirees across the UK are being urged to check if they qualify and apply without delay. This boost comes as part of targeted support measures aimed at helping older people manage the rising cost of living.
What Is The £720 DWP Pension Boost?
The £720 boost is a one-off payment available to certain pensioners through existing DWP schemes. It is designed to supplement retirement income for those on low to moderate earnings or those who meet specific qualifying conditions. While it is not automatically given to everyone, it can be claimed through the correct application process before the August deadline.
The payment is intended to cover additional living expenses such as energy costs, food bills, or essential household needs. Importantly, the £720 boost is tax-free and does not need to be repaid, making it a valuable extra source of income for eligible claimants.
Who Can Get The £720 Pension Boost?
Eligibility for the £720 payment depends on meeting certain requirements set out by the DWP. In most cases, this boost is linked to claiming Pension Credit or certain other qualifying benefits. You may be eligible if:
- You are over State Pension age (currently 66).
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (different rules may apply in Northern Ireland).
- You are receiving Pension Credit, or your income is low enough to qualify.
- You meet residency requirements and are not subject to immigration controls.
Some pensioners who narrowly miss out on Pension Credit due to small income differences may still qualify if they meet additional criteria, such as disability-related entitlements.
Link Between Pension Credit And The Boost
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your income to a guaranteed minimum level. If you are awarded Pension Credit, you may automatically become eligible for a range of additional benefits—including this £720 boost.
Currently, Pension Credit tops up weekly income to:
- £218.15 for single pensioners.
- £332.95 for couples.
If your income is slightly above these thresholds, you may still qualify for a smaller amount of Pension Credit, which could in turn give you access to the £720 payment.
How To Apply For The £720 Boost
To apply, you must first check if you are entitled to Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit. If you are already claiming, you should contact the DWP to confirm eligibility for the boost. Applications can be made:
- Online through the GOV.UK website.
- By phone using the Pension Credit claim line.
- By post by requesting a paper application form.
When applying, you will need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Details of your income, savings, and investments.
- Proof of identity and residency.
- Information on any existing benefits you receive.
Submitting your application before 15 August 2025 is essential, as late claims may not be accepted.
Payment Schedule And How You’ll Receive The Money
Once your claim is approved, the £720 will be paid directly into your bank account. Most payments are processed within two to four weeks of approval, although processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications.
The payment will not affect your State Pension amount, and because it is not taxable, you will receive the full £720. In addition, if you are newly awarded Pension Credit, you could also benefit from other support schemes, such as free TV licences for over-75s and help with NHS costs.
Why The Deadline Matters
The 15 August 2025 deadline is non-negotiable for this boost. This date has been set by the DWP to ensure all payments are processed before the autumn cost-of-living support review. Missing this date means you will likely have to wait for future schemes, which may offer different amounts or have different eligibility rules.
Applying early also gives you more time to correct any mistakes in your application and provide additional evidence if requested by the DWP.
Common Mistakes When Applying
Many pensioners miss out on the boost because they assume they will not qualify. Common mistakes include:
- Not checking Pension Credit eligibility due to small savings.
- Believing that owning a home automatically disqualifies you (it doesn’t).
- Providing incomplete information on application forms.
- Missing the deadline due to delays in gathering documents.
Even if you believe you are slightly above the income threshold, it is worth applying. The DWP assesses each case individually, and you may still receive a partial award that unlocks the £720 payment.
How The Boost Helps With Rising Costs
The cost of living continues to be a major concern for pensioners across the UK, particularly with energy, food, and housing costs at historic highs. A one-off payment of £720 can significantly ease pressure on household budgets, especially for those relying solely on the State Pension.
For many, this payment could cover several months of utility bills, annual council tax charges, or essential winter heating costs. This makes it one of the most impactful short-term supports available to older people in 2025.
Additional Support Available
Claiming the £720 boost could open the door to other help, including:
- Free prescriptions and dental care.
- Help with rent through Housing Benefit.
- Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home Discount.
- Reduced travel costs with concessionary bus passes.
Many pensioners are unaware that claiming Pension Credit can unlock multiple forms of support, often worth thousands of pounds a year in total.
How To Check Your Eligibility Quickly
The fastest way to check is by using the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. By entering details of your income, savings, and living arrangements, you can find out in minutes whether you are likely to qualify. This tool is free to use and can help you decide whether to make a formal claim before the deadline.
Final Reminder
The £720 DWP pension boost is a valuable, tax-free payment that could make a big difference to your finances. With the application deadline of 15 August 2025 fast approaching, it is vital to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible. Even if you think you might not qualify, submitting a claim could unlock not only this payment but also other ongoing benefits that improve your long-term financial stability.
