Martin Lewis has said that around 900,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit, a benefit worth an average of £3,900 a year or £325 a month. He spoke out after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to overhaul the state pension triple lock to fund social care.
Triple lock plans prompt call to fix Pension Credit
Mr Burnham revealed proposals to scrap the existing pensions triple lock, which ensures rises in line with whichever is highest among inflation, earnings or 2.5%, to release resources for establishing an NHS-style care service in England.
Mr Lewis argued there is a more pressing concern, saying: "If the triple lock on pensions will be scrapped. The 1st priority is to fix Pension Credit - the top up for the lowest earning pensioners to give them a basic minimum income. Shamefully many 100,000s of the poorest pensions still miss out on what they're entitled to."
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a tax-free, means-tested benefit available in the UK for people who have reached State Pension age and are living on restricted income. It works independently from the State Pension and serves as a "top-up" to ensure a minimum weekly income, with standard payments surpassing £3,900 annually.
Becoming eligible for Pension Credit—even by a modest sum—can unlock access to additional financial assistance, including a complimentary TV licence (for those aged 75+), council tax discounts, and support with NHS dental care and spectacles.
The most recent figures show that around 900,000 eligible individuals are missing out on money they're entitled to, as Pension Credit requires an application — it isn't handed out automatically. Pension Credit boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level, with the precise sum depending on current income, savings, and whether you're single or part of a couple.
How much can you get?
The primary element is Guarantee Credit, which raises weekly income to £238.00 for single claimants and £363.25 for couples. Depending on circumstances, claimants may get more than the standard minimum amount:
- Severe Disability: An extra £86.05 a week if you receive certain disability benefits.
- Carers: An extra £48.15 a week if you claim Carer’s Allowance.
- Children: An extra £69.98 to £81.07 per week for each child you are responsible for.
- Savings Credit: If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and saved money for retirement, you may receive an extra boost of up to £17.96 a week (single) or £20.10 a week (couples).
Mr Lewis has addressed Pension Credit on his ITV programme and posted on X: "According to the govt's own figures still 900,000 of the very poorest pensioners (out of 2.3m eligible) missing out on the crucial Pension Credit income top up! It's not good enough."
He went on to say: "PENSION CREDIT CAN BE WORTH £1,000s YET 900,000 ELIGIBLE ARE MISSING OUT. You should check if you're of State Pension age, (roughly 66+) with a low total weekly income. My rough rule of thumb is..
"SINGLE. Under £238/wk you're likely to get it, under £255/wk it's worth checking. COUPLE (both of State Pension age): Under £363/wk you're likely to get it, under £380/wk you it's worth checking Don't stall, just call (or check online) to see if you're due it..."
He added: "How to check? Just go online to http://gov.uk/pension-credit and don't worry the worst that can happen is you're told you're ineligible. If you prefer to speak to someone call 0800 99 1234 (N. Ireland 0808 100 6165)".
"What counts as income? It's all income from work; private, work or state pensions; and some benefits. Plus if you've £10,000+ savings or investments, each £500 above counts as £1/wk income (if only returns were really that good) Do note I'm not saying you will get it if you earn under these levels."
"PS Not only can Pension Credit be worth £1,000s, if you get it you may then be eligible for discounts or free council tax, water, energy, TV licence, dental help and more."
Key aspects and how to claim
For the period April 2026 to March 2027, Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level: £238.00 per week for a single person and £363.25 per week for a couple.
Claims can be submitted up to four months before reaching State Pension age. While you can apply at any time after reaching State Pension age, applications can only be backdated for three months. Therefore, if you were eligible during that period, you could receive up to three months' worth of Pension Credit in your initial payment.
For those who have already lodged their State Pension application, the online portal is accessible, or alternatively contact the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 for telephone applications. Typically, Pension Credit eligibility includes single pensioners whose total weekly income sits below approximately £240, or couples earning under roughly £360, taking into account all income sources.
Pension Credit acts as a gateway to various additional benefits, including a cost-of-living payment of up to £600, free TV licences worth £160 annually, council tax reductions potentially valued at thousands per year, plus a warm home discount amounting to £150 yearly, cold weather payments, free dental treatment, and vouchers for complimentary glasses. Lewis stressed that possessing Pension Credit unlocks these perks while highlighting that 800,000 eligible British pensioners aren't currently claiming this support.
