The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is contacting Pension Credit recipients to request bank statements and other documentation as part of a case review campaign designed to save £370 million from the welfare bill. The checks, first announced by former chancellor Rachel Reeves at last year's Budget, aim to verify that claims remain correct as circumstances change.
Around 95,000 to 100,000 claimants are expected to see their payments reduced as a result of the reviews, though the total number selected for scrutiny will likely be higher. The DWP confirmed it has begun contacting "selected customers" for the Pension Credit case review exercise.
What the review involves
The DWP stated: "Being selected for a review does not mean the customer has done anything wrong." However, some claimants will need to provide additional information if their case is reviewed, which could include bank statements. The department emphasised that the process is routine and not an indication of wrongdoing.
The Government expects to claw back £15 million this year alone from incorrect claims. DWP figures show the proportion of overpaid Pension Credit claims rose to 33% in the 2025/26 tax year, up from 28% the previous year. The average overpayment being recovered is approximately £1,400 per case.
Who is affected and eligibility rules
Around 910,000 pensioner households are currently missing out on Pension Credit, despite many having contributed to the system for years. The average award is worth £4,300 a year. For those with a total income under £238 a week (£363 for a couple where both are pensioners), Pension Credit is likely to be payable, as this aligns with the full state pension level it is designed to top up.
If total income is under £250 a week (£380 for a couple who are both pensioners), there is a chance of receiving Pension Credit, depending on individual circumstances. A higher threshold applies to those claiming certain disability benefits or with caring responsibilities, so affected individuals are advised to check their eligibility.
DWP response and take-up campaign
A DWP spokesperson said: "We know that a claimant's circumstances can change throughout their claim, which can lead to their claim being incorrect. By reviewing claims, we can ensure claimants are receiving the correct entitlement."
The spokesperson added: "The Government wants all pensioners to get the support they are rightly entitled to and thanks to our biggest ever pension credit take-up campaign, we have seen an additional 33,500 Pension Credit awards in 2025, worth on average £87 a week, compared with the previous year." The review campaign is part of broader efforts to reduce errors and protect the welfare budget.
