The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging hundreds of thousands of older households across the UK to check if they are eligible for a significant income boost. New figures reveal that a staggering number of pensioners are failing to claim Pension Credit, a vital means-tested benefit that could add an average of £4,300 to their finances during the 2025/26 financial year.
Who is Eligible for the Pension Credit Top-Up?
Despite nearly 1.4 million pensioners currently receiving this support, the DWP estimates that a further 760,000 people who are entitled to it have not yet put in a claim. To combat this widespread issue, the department has extended its awareness campaign until the end of the current financial year.
Eligibility hinges on your weekly income. Pensioner couples with a combined income below £346 per week, or single pensioners earning less than £227.10 weekly, should investigate their potential entitlement. A pervasive myth that having savings or owning your home automatically disqualifies you is incorrect and may be preventing many from applying.
The Ripple Effect of Even a Small Award
The value of Pension Credit extends far beyond the direct payment. Crucially, even an award of just £1 per week acts as a gateway to a suite of additional support. This can include vital help with housing costs, heating bills through the Cold Weather Payment scheme, and Council Tax reductions.
The application process is becoming more efficient. The DWP recently confirmed that close to 78% of all new claims are processed within the target of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means an older person on a low income who applies now could see their first payment, including any backdated amount, by the end of January.
Important Rule Change for Mixed-Age Couples
A crucial rule change introduced in May 2019 affects so-called 'mixed-age couples'. This is where one partner has reached State Pension age and the other has not. Under the current rules, such couples are now treated as a 'working-age' household for means-tested benefits.
This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit until both partners are of State Pension age. This reversed the previous, more generous system where eligibility was triggered when just one person reached pension age.
How to Check and Claim Your Pension Credit
Checking your potential entitlement is straightforward. The quickest method is to use the official online Pension Credit calculator on the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit helpline directly on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) to make a claim over the phone.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. If you apply after reaching pension age, your claim can be backdated by up to three months, potentially resulting in a substantial first payment. To apply, you will need your National Insurance number, details of your income, savings, and investments, and your bank account information.
With the ongoing cost of living crisis, ensuring you receive every penny of financial support you are entitled to is more important than ever. The DWP's message is clear: all senior citizens, whether single, married, or cohabiting, should take a few minutes to check their eligibility for this substantial income boost.
