State pensioners are being urged to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, with around 900,000 eligible individuals missing out on the funding, according to money-saving expert Martin Lewis. The call follows Andy Burnham's announcement of changes to the triple lock from April 2030.
Pension Credit as a pressing concern
Mr Lewis said Pension Credit is a pressing concern for pensioners following the announcement. The tax-free means-tested benefit works independently from the State Pension and aims to support people over State Pension age who live on a restricted income.
Mr Lewis said: "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."
Triple lock changes explained
Mr Burnham said triple lock is not being scrapped, but changed, so that the pension's link to earnings "should be considered over a longer time frame, not every year". Under the revised policy, the State Pension will be uprated by either CPI inflation, 2.5%, or the amount needed to ensure it keeps up with average earnings growth since the introduction of the revised policy.
Pension Credit is not handed out automatically to those who are eligible - they must apply for it. The guarantee credit serves as a "top-up" to ensure pensioners meet a minimum weekly income, which has been set at £238 for a single person and £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27.
Additional financial assistance
Addressing Pension Credit on his ITV programme, Mr Lewis said: "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."
Becoming eligible for Pension Credit can also unlock access to additional financial assistance, including a free TV licence, and supported NHS dental and eyecare. The sum could also be higher if you're disabled, a carer, are responsible for children or have certain housing costs.
The extra supplements include: 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).
