Kelly
Thousands of older pensioners across the UK are being urged by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to check their eligibility for an extra £1,384 per month through Pension Credit.
Despite widespread eligibility, over 800,000 pensioners are currently missing out on what could be a life-changing financial boost.
Whether due to lack of awareness, misconceptions about qualification, or believing the payout is too small to bother with, a significant portion of elderly citizens are not claiming what they are entitled to.
But this underclaimed benefit could be your ticket to not just extra money — but access to additional support schemes as well.
What Is Pension Credit and Who Qualifies?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to help people over State Pension age (currently 66) on low incomes. It tops up weekly income to a minimum standard set by the government.
If you’re born before 1959 and meet the income criteria, you could be eligible for up to £1,384 a month — or more when additional benefits are factored in.
Current Pension Credit Rates:
| Household Type | Weekly Minimum Guarantee | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | £227 | £908 |
| Couple | £346 | £1,384 |
Why Is It Underclaimed?
Despite being a lifeline benefit, Pension Credit remains massively underclaimed, with over £1.5 billion going unclaimed every year. Up to 800,000 households who qualify simply aren’t receiving it.
Common reasons include:
- Not knowing the benefit exists
- Thinking income is too high to qualify
- Believing the amount is too small to be worth claiming
But even if you’re eligible for just a small amount, claiming Pension Credit can unlock access to several other valuable benefits.
Additional Benefits Pension Credit Can Unlock
Pension Credit isn’t just about extra income — it’s a gateway benefit that could open the door to further financial support, such as:
| Benefit Unlocked | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Free TV Licence (for over 75s) | Worth £159/year |
| Council Tax Reduction | Savings vary by council, potentially worth £100s |
| Cold Weather Payments | £25 for each 7-day period of sub-zero temperatures |
| Warm Home Discount | One-off £150 discount on winter electricity bills |
| Housing Benefit | Support with rent for those in private accommodation |
| Free NHS Dental Treatment and Eye Tests | Health-related savings for pensioners |
These added perks can dramatically reduce your overall cost of living.
How to Check Eligibility for Pension Credit
It takes just a few minutes to check if you qualify, and you can apply online, by phone, or by post. You’ll need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number
- Bank account details
- Information about your income, savings, and investments
- Details about your housing costs, if any
If you’re born before 1959 and your weekly income is less than £227 (single) or £346 (couple) — you’re likely entitled.
Even if you’re only eligible for a small weekly top-up, it’s worth it because of the extra benefits that come along with it.
Don’t Assume You Don’t Qualify
According to experts, many pensioners wrongly assume they’re not eligible. In reality, Pension Credit rules take into account:
- Your guaranteed income level
- Whether you have savings
- If you’re disabled, a carer, or have dependent children
Every pound counts — and those small entitlements can add up to thousands of pounds annually, especially when combined with other linked benefits.
Pension Credit Awareness Campaigns Underway
In response to the crisis of underclaimed benefits, the UK government has intensified Pension Credit awareness campaigns. Financial advisors and public figures — like Martin Lewis — have also publicly urged family members to help older relatives check their eligibility and claim.
These campaigns stress that just one call could lead to a £3,900+ yearly income boost. That’s an amount no pensioner should be missing out on.
Pension Credit Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Monthly Benefit (Couple) | £1,384 |
| Max Monthly Benefit (Single) | £908 |
| Eligible Age | Over State Pension age (66+) |
| Additional Benefits | TV Licence, Housing Benefit, Energy Discounts, Health Perks |
| Application Time | Under 15 minutes |
If you were born before 1959, you could be entitled to £1,384 per month and additional benefits that ease everyday costs. With over 800,000 pensioners still missing out, there’s never been a more important time to check your eligibility for Pension Credit.
A simple check or quick phone call could unlock thousands of pounds a year in support — and change your financial future for the better.
FAQs
I have a small private pension—can I still get Pension Credit?
Yes, even with a private pension, you may still qualify depending on your total income and savings.
Do I need to reapply for Pension Credit every year?
No, once approved, it usually continues unless your circumstances change. However, reviews may be conducted periodically.
Can I help a family member apply for Pension Credit?
Absolutely. You can assist them by phone, online, or with paperwork to ensure they don’t miss out.