A recent report has revealed that eight out of ten pensioners<\/strong> in the UK are missing out on vital financial support, leaving thousands of pounds unclaimed each year. The study, conducted by retirement specialists Just Group<\/strong>, highlights how the failure to claim means-tested benefits is depriving pensioners of an average of \u00a31,807 annually<\/strong>. In some cases, households are losing out on as much as \u00a37,560 a year<\/strong> in unclaimed benefits, a staggering figure that could provide much-needed relief amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With billions of pounds of unclaimed benefits at stake, experts are urging older people to check their eligibility for Pension Credit<\/strong>, Council Tax Reduction<\/strong>, and other forms of support. This article outlines who qualifies, how to apply, and the potential impact on pensioners\u2019 finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Just Group report, more than 760,000 pensioner households<\/strong> in the UK are failing to claim the benefits they\u2019re entitled to. For many, this oversight stems from a lack of awareness or the mistaken belief that owning a home disqualifies them from receiving state support. Stephen Lowe, communications director at Just Group, described the findings as \u201cscandalous,\u201d highlighting how unclaimed benefits could make a tangible difference in pensioners\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pension Credit<\/strong> remains the primary means-tested benefit for older people<\/a>, providing vital financial support to low-income households. However, it is also one of the most under-claimed benefits, with 90% of eligible pensioners<\/strong> failing to apply. This oversight has led to an estimated \u00a31.5 billion<\/strong> in unclaimed benefits, equating to \u00a31,900 annually per household<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n