The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will begin rolling out a new joint claims service this autumn, enabling pensioners to apply for Pension Credit and Housing Benefit through a single application for the first time. The service will initially be available to a small group of invited customers before expanding to support applications online, by phone, by post, and in person.
Simplifying the Claims Process
The move marks the next stage of a long-running DWP project to integrate the administration of Pension Credit and pensioner Housing Benefit, with the aim of making it easier for older people to claim the financial support they are entitled to. The department stated that the new service is designed to provide a simpler and more joined-up experience for claimants, with improvements made as it is tested and refined before a wider rollout.
Housing Benefit will continue to be administered by local authorities, while Pension Credit will remain the responsibility of the DWP, meaning there will be no change to how benefit entitlement is decided. Local authorities have been involved throughout the development of the new service, helping to test the system and provide feedback to ensure it works effectively for both customers and staff processing claims.
Addressing Under-Claiming
The DWP estimates that around 760,000 pensioner households are entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming it, making it one of the most under-claimed benefits in the UK. An award of Pension Credit can top up weekly income and unlock access to additional support, including Housing Benefit, help with Council Tax, heating costs, and NHS charges for eligible claimants.
The new service is intended to reduce barriers to claiming by allowing pensioners to apply for both benefits through a single process, rather than making separate applications. The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78 percent of all new claims for Pension Credit are processed within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks).
Eligibility and Support
Married pensioners with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25, or single pensioners with an income below £238.00, could be eligible for Pension Credit. Those with higher incomes may still qualify if they have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs. Savings of £10,000 or less do not affect eligibility; every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income per week.
Pensioners can check eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Expert help is also available from organizations such as Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Additional Benefits
Qualifying for Pension Credit can also provide access to Housing Benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest, Council Tax discounts, a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over, help with NHS costs, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Mixed-age couples—where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it—are considered a working-age couple for means-tested benefits and cannot claim Pension Credit until both reach State Pension age.
How to Apply
Applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age, and claims can be backdated for up to three months. To apply online, claimants need their National Insurance number, information about income, savings, and investments, and bank account details. The online service is available if the claimant has already claimed their State Pension and there are no children or young people included in the claim.
