Reports about a £562 pension boost have been widely shared online, particularly among people born before 1961. Many older pensioners are understandably asking whether this is a new payment, who qualifies, and when the money will be paid.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has now provided clarification. While there is no single, automatic £562 “new pension” for everyone, the figure is linked to a combination of pension entitlements, top-ups, and support payments that some older pensioners may receive depending on their circumstances.
This article explains what the £562 figure refers to, who may benefit, and what pensioners should check now.
Where the £562 Figure Comes From
The £562 amount does not refer to a brand-new standalone payment announced for all pensioners. Instead, it reflects the potential combined value of different payments that some people born before 1961 may receive, including:
- State Pension payments
- Pension Credit top-ups
- Cost-of-living or additional support payments
- Backdated entitlements in certain cases
For eligible individuals, these amounts can add up to around £562 over a specific payment period.
Why People Born Before 1961 Are Being Mentioned
People born before 1961 are more likely to be affected because they typically:
- Reached State Pension age under earlier rules
- Are on the basic or transitional State Pension system
- May qualify for Pension Credit but are not claiming it
- Are eligible for age-related additional support
The DWP has repeatedly highlighted that older pensioners are among the most likely to be underpaid or missing out on support they are entitled to.
Pension Credit and the £562 Boost
One of the biggest reasons the £562 figure appears is Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is designed to top up weekly income for pensioners on a low income. When claimed successfully, it can:
- Increase weekly income
- Unlock access to other benefits
- Trigger backdated payments
In some cases, backdated Pension Credit payments combined with a regular State Pension can total several hundred pounds, which is where figures like £562 come from.
Backdated Payments and Corrections
The DWP continues to review pension records, especially for older pensioners who may have been underpaid in the past. This includes:
- Errors linked to National Insurance records
- Issues affecting married women and widows
- Missed entitlements under old pension rules
When an underpayment is identified, the DWP can issue lump-sum back payments, sometimes amounting to hundreds of pounds or more.
Is This an Automatic Payment?
This is one of the most important points to understand.
The £562 is not an automatic payment for everyone born before 1961. Whether someone receives it depends on:
- Their income level
- Whether they claim Pension Credit
- Their pension history
- Any underpayment corrections
Some pensioners will receive nothing extra, while others may receive more than the figure being discussed.
What Pensioners Should Check Now
If you were born before 1961, it is sensible to review your situation. Key things to check include:
- Are you receiving the correct State Pension amount?
- Have you ever checked eligibility for Pension Credit?
- Has your National Insurance record been fully assessed?
- Have your circumstances changed recently?
Many pensioners assume they do not qualify for extra help when, in reality, they do.
Why the DWP Is Encouraging Reviews
The DWP has acknowledged that billions of pounds in Pension Credit goes unclaimed each year. Encouraging people to check eligibility helps ensure:
- Pensioners receive the income they are legally entitled to
- Access to additional help such as council tax support and free NHS costs
- Better financial stability for older households
This is particularly important as living costs remain high.
Common Misunderstandings
There has been confusion online, with some headlines suggesting a guaranteed £562 payment for all pensioners. That is not accurate.
The key truth is this:
The £562 figure reflects what some pensioners may receive after checks, top-ups, or corrections — not a universal bonus.
Final Thoughts
The DWP update linked to the £562 pension boost is a reminder rather than a blanket payout. For people born before 1961, it highlights the importance of checking entitlement, especially for Pension Credit and underpaid pensions.
If you are already receiving everything you are entitled to, nothing may change. But for those who have never checked, the review could make a meaningful difference to their income.
Staying informed and reviewing your entitlement is the best step to take right now.