Martin Lewis has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to 'fix' a vital benefit for state pensioners that is worth an average of £3,900 a year or £325 extra a month. The personal finance expert spoke out after Mr Burnham said he wants to reform the state pension triple lock to pay for social care.
Mr Burnham confirmed he wants to end the current pensions triple lock, which guarantees increases in line with the highest of inflation, earnings or 2.5%, in order to free up cash to fund his long-held ambition of creating an NHS-style care service in England.
Lewis: Fix Pension Credit first
But Mr Lewis said there is an even greater priority in his eyes: "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."
Pension Credit is a tax-free, means-tested benefit available in the UK for individuals who have reached State Pension age and are surviving on limited income. It operates separately from the State Pension and functions as a 'top-up' to guarantee a minimum weekly income, with typical awards exceeding £3,900 per year.
Crucially, qualifying for Pension Credit—even by just a small amount—can open access to other financial support. This includes a free TV licence (for ages 75+), council tax reductions, help with NHS dental treatment and glasses.
900,000 eligible people not claiming
The latest statistics reveal approximately 900,000 eligible people aren't claiming the money they're entitled to because Pension Credit must be applied for - it isn't automatically given. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. The exact amount a person receives depends on their existing income, savings, and whether they are single or have a partner.
The main component is Guarantee Credit, which brings weekly income up to £238.00 if they are single £363.25 if in a couple.
Depending on your circumstances, you 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).
How to check eligibility
Mr Lewis has spoken about Pensions Credit on his ITV show and said 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 continued: "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..."
"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 of Pension Credit (April 2026 – March 2027 Rates)
Guarantee Credit: This tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. Single person: Topped up to £238.00 per week. Couple: Topped up to £363.25 per week.
For individuals wishing to apply for Pension Credit, applications can be made up to four months prior to reaching State Pension age. While you're able to apply at any point after achieving State Pension age, claims can only be backdated for three months. Consequently, if you qualified throughout that timeframe, you might collect up to three months' worth of Pension Credit in your first payment.
For those who've already submitted their State Pension application, the online portal is available, alternatively ring the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 for telephone applications. Generally, Pension Credit eligibility encompasses single pensioners whose combined weekly income falls below approximately £240, or couples earning under roughly £360, accounting for all revenue streams.
Pension Credit serves as a gateway to numerous supplementary benefits, including a cost-of-living payment reaching £600, complimentary TV licences valued at £160 yearly, council tax discounts potentially worth thousands annually, alongside a warm home discount totalling £150 each year, cold weather payments, free dental care, and vouchers for complimentary spectacles. Lewis highlighted that holding Pension Credit unlocks these advantages while emphasising that 800,000 eligible British pensioners aren't currently claiming this support.
