Thousands of older people may be missing out on Pension Credit, and those who apply could receive up to three months of backdated payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Under DWP rules, successful claims can usually be backdated for a maximum of three months, as long as the claimant met the eligibility criteria during that period. That means new claimants could receive a lump sum on top of their ongoing weekly payments.
Nearly 1.4 million recipients
Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that can provide an average of £4,300 in extra support during the 2026/27 financial year. However, the DWP estimates around 760,000 pensioners are entitled to the State Pension top-up but not claiming it.
Married pensioners with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25 per week, or single pensioners with an income of below £238.00 could be eligible for Pension Credit.
Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. However, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
Processing times and eligibility
The DWP recently confirmed nearly 78 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit are processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks).
This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any arrears by November.
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £238.00 if you are single, or your joint weekly income to £363.25 if you have a partner. If your income is higher, you might still be eligible if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Your income includes State Pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits such as Carer's Allowance. Not all benefits are counted as income, including Adult Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance, DWP Christmas Bonus, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Personal Independence Payment, social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
How to check eligibility and claim
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in, Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in, Council Tax discount, free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
