Thousands of older households across Britain may be eligible for a significant annual income top-up, yet are failing to claim it. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that up to 910,000 households could receive Pension Credit, worth an average of £4,300 per year.
The benefit, intended to support low-income pensioners, is not only under-claimed but also unlocks access to several additional entitlements. As the government urges more people to check their eligibility, a nationwide campaign has begun to target likely candidates.
Pension Credit Could Raise Weekly Income and Unlock Vital Benefits
Pension Credit, administered by the DWP, is designed to top up the income of individuals over the state pension age, which currently stands at 66 for both men and women in the UK. According to the DWP, the Guarantee Credit component raises weekly income to £227.10 for single claimants or £346.60 for couples. In addition to this core payment, those eligible may receive extra support if they act as carers, live with severe disabilities, or are responsible for children or young people.
Beyond increasing income, the benefit acts as a gateway to other forms of financial relief. According to the DWP, successful applicants can access Housing Benefit, support for mortgage interest, full discounts on council tax, and assistance with dental and optical treatment under the NHS. Additional allowances include eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, and for those aged over 75, a free TV licence.
Applications can be submitted as early as four months before reaching state pension age. They can be completed online at GOV.UK, over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234, or by requesting a paper form. Eligibility is primarily based on income levels falling below the threshold set for Guarantee Credit, though those slightly over may still qualify under specific conditions, such as having housing costs or care responsibilities.
Government Launches Direct Outreach Campaign to Boost Take-up
To address the low uptake of Pension Credit, the government has launched a targeted initiative in collaboration with Age UK. As part of this campaign, 2,000 letters are being sent to older individuals in England who have been identified as likely to qualify but are not currently receiving the benefit.
Speaking about the effort, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell stated: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.” He added, “I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply.”
According to DWP figures, around 910,000 households across the UK meet the criteria but have yet to submit an application. The scale of this under-claiming highlights both a gap in awareness and a challenge in ensuring support reaches the most vulnerable.
The current campaign, supported by Age UK, is part of a broader effort to improve awareness among pensioners and their families. Officials hope that by simplifying access and encouraging people to check eligibility, more households will benefit from the financial security that Pension Credit provides.
