To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households receive pension credit; and what the average weekly amount paid in pension credit to such households is. (272298)

As at August 2008, there were 2,723,530 households in receipt of pension credit, with an average weekly award of £52.80.

Notes:

1. The number of households in receipt are rounded to the nearest 10.

2. Household recipients are those people who claim pension credit either for themselves only or on behalf of a household.

Source:

DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data.