Pensioners Urged to Check Eligibility for £4,300 DWP Support During Easter

Pensioners across the UK may be missing out on up to £4,300 per year in additional support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as thousands remain unaware of their potential eligibility for Pension Credit.

Rising living costs, including increases in Council Tax, energy bills, and broadband charges, are placing additional strain on fixed incomes. The Easter bank holiday offers an ideal moment to pause and assess financial options.

According to a report by GB News, many households could benefit from checking their status online or by phone, potentially unlocking a broad package of support through just a brief eligibility check.

Pension Credit as a Financial Lifeline

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that boosts the income of older individuals with limited financial resources. It is available to people over State Pension age who meet specific income and asset criteria. According to the latest figures from the DWP, an estimated 760,000 eligible pensioners are not currently claiming this support.

The average annual value of the benefit is £4,300, but even a minimal award — as little as £1 per week — is enough to unlock several forms of additional financial help.

Rising Household Costs Increase Pressure

The month of April has brought widespread increases in Council Tax, energy bills, broadband fees, mobile phone plans, and TV licence costs. These cost-of-living pressures can heavily impact older households, especially those relying on limited fixed incomes.

For this reason, the Easter holiday is being presented as an opportunity to act, as even small entitlements to Pension Credit can ease household budgets significantly.

Checking Eligibility During the Easter Break

Many pensioners wrongly assume they are not eligible for Pension Credit simply because they own their home or have some savings. In fact, the benefit is based on overall income, not assets alone.

Eligibility can be checked using the official Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, applicants may call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234. It should be noted, however, that the helpline is closed during the Easter holiday and will reopen on Tuesday, April 22.

Additional Support Linked to Pension Credit

Claiming Pension Credit may open the door to a broad range of gateway benefits. These include:

• Winter Fuel Payment
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) for homeowners
• Housing Benefit for renters
• Council Tax Reduction
• Free TV licence for those aged 75 or older
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport to hospital
• Cold Weather Payments
• £150 Warm Home Discount (for those receiving the Guarantee Credit element or on a low income with high energy costs)
• Christmas Bonus (also limited to those on the Guarantee element)
• Discount on Royal Mail’s redirection service for those relocating

Even if the main Pension Credit payment is low, access to these linked benefits can significantly reduce overall costs.

Disability-Related Entitlements

Pensioners with health conditions or disabilities might also qualify for additional support such as Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. These offer:

• £73.90 or £110.40 per week
• Equivalent to £295.60 to £441.60 every four weeks

These payments are separate from Pension Credit, but eligible individuals may qualify for both, further increasing their available support.