The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging state pensioners born before 1960 to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which can provide up to £1,574 per month. Over 900,000 over-65s are missing out on the extra cash despite being eligible, according to official estimates.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income for poorer pensioners. For a single person, it guarantees a weekly income of £238, while for couples the amount is £363.25 per week. This translates to a maximum monthly payment of £1,574. The exact amount depends on the individual's or couple's monthly income.
Despite being one of the most underclaimed benefits, Pension Credit is a gateway to other financial support, including help with housing costs, council tax reduction, and free NHS dental care. The Money Saving Expert website notes that eligible pensioners could receive an average of £4,300 per year.
Who Is Eligible?
Pensioners born before 1960 and over the state pension age can claim if their weekly income is less than £238 for a single person or £363 for a couple. Income includes state pension, other pensions, earnings, and savings above £10,000. About 2.3 million people are eligible, but an estimated 910,000 do not claim, often due to lack of awareness or assumption they do not qualify.
How to Claim
Claims can be made online via the GOV.UK website, by phone, or by post. The DWP recommends checking eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator. Even a small award can unlock other benefits, making it worthwhile to apply. The Money Saving Expert advises: "If you're retired and have income less than £238 a week as an individual, or £363 a week as a couple, you may be due Pension Credit worth £4,300 a year, on average. Plus, it entitles you to a whole raft of other benefits."
