The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing certain state pensioners born before 1960 with an extra £292 per month, yet nearly a million eligible over-65s are missing out on this financial boost. Pension Credit, one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK, supplements income for lower-earning retirees, offering an average of £292 monthly. Many seniors are unaware of their eligibility or underestimate the benefit's impact.
Additional Perks Beyond Cash
Beyond the direct payment, Pension Credit unlocks access to council tax discounts, free TV licences, and other support. For single retirees, the weekly top-up can reach £227.10, translating to an annual income of nearly £12,000. Couples can receive up to £346.60 per week.
Calls for Automatic Enrollment
Advocates urge the government to make Pension Credit automatic rather than requiring pensioners to apply. Deven Ghelani, director at Policy in Practice, stated: "The scale of unclaimed support in Britain is still staggering. Over £24 billion is left on the table at a time when many are struggling to stay afloat. This isn't a failure of the public. It's a failure of a social security system that is still too complex, too fragmented and too passive."
A spokesperson for Single Mothers Assistance, which analyzed the data, added: "These statistics reveal a hidden crisis affecting nearly a million households. Many eligible pensioners don't realise they qualify for Pension Credit, especially if they own their home or have modest savings. The benefit isn't just about the direct payment - it unlocks access to Council Tax Support worth up to £3.3 billion annually that's also going unclaimed."
Pensioners or their families are encouraged to check eligibility through the DWP or via local advice services.
