Almost 1.2 million older people across the UK are missing out on Pension Credit payments they may be entitled to receive. The Government is now targeting seven areas with an information campaign aimed at helping pensioners claim financial support worth more than £4,500 a year on average.
The initiative involves distributing 660,000 leaflets to households in selected locations, although eligibility is not restricted to those areas. The figures also reveal considerable differences in Pension Credit take-up between regions, with some older households far less likely to claim than others.
Seven UK Areas Targeted As Government Urges Pensioners To Check Eligibility
According to a report published on 13 November 2026, consumer journalist Louise Minchin discussed the Government’s campaign during an appearance on BBC Morning Live, explaining that pensioners and their families were being encouraged to check their eligibility.
The seven areas receiving leaflets are Glasgow, Manchester, East Suffolk, Cornwall, Birmingham, Powys and Stockton-on-Trent, as identified in the report. The campaign forms part of wider Government efforts to increase awareness of Pension Credit among households on low incomes.
Minchin stressed that people living outside the selected locations could still qualify for financial assistance. The distribution of leaflets does not determine who can apply or receive payments.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit available to people over State Pension age who have a low income. It is separate from the State Pension and can supplement weekly income depending on individual circumstances.
The figures reported on BBC Morning Live put the weekly income guarantee at £238 for single pensioners and £363.25 for couples. Increases to £247.30 and £377.40 respectively were also outlined for April.
Claimants may qualify for additional assistance, including Council Tax Reduction, the Warm Home Discount and a free TV Licence for eligible people aged 75 or over. Additional payments may also be available for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities. Savings above £10,000 do not automatically disqualify applicants, while receiving a private pension does not necessarily prevent someone from claiming.
New Figures Reveal Substantial Differences in Pension Credit Take-Up
According to Independent Age, only 62% of eligible households receive Pension Credit, leaving as many as 1.2 million older people without payments they could claim.
The charity’s examination of Department for Work and Pensions statistics covering April 2023 to March 2024 identified particularly low take-up among households entitled to smaller payments. Only 30% for less than £5 a week claimed the benefit, compared with 85% of those entitled to £150 or more.
Regional differences were also pronounced. Take-up reached 71% in north-east England but stood at just 55% in the South West. Rates across England, Wales and Scotland were 63%, 64% and 67% respectively.
Urban and rural communities showed another divide, with take-up reaching 67% in one urban classification compared with 51% in a predominantly rural classification. Independent Age suggested that differences in awareness campaigns and access to local support services could help explain the variation, although the precise reasons remain unclear.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said too many pensioners were missing out on support they were entitled to receive. People wishing to check their eligibility can contact the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 in England, Scotland and Wales, or 0808 100 6165 in Northern Ireland.
