Thousands of older couples across the UK could be missing out on a significant financial boost to their retirement income due to a common oversight with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
New analysis reveals that eligible couples where one partner is over State Pension age and the other is under could be entitled to more than £4,000 extra per year through Pension Credit.
The Hidden Eligibility Rule
The crucial detail many miss is that if just one partner in a couple has reached State Pension age (currently 66), the household may still qualify for Pension Credit, even if the other partner is younger. This often-overlooked rule means many mixed-age couples are not claiming support they are legally entitled to.
How Much Could You Be Owed?
The potential uplift is substantial. For the 2024/25 financial year, the guaranteed minimum for a couple through Pension Credit is set at:
- £301.82 per week (£15,694.64 annually)
This figure can be even higher if the couple has caring responsibilities, disabilities, or housing costs. The average award for couples is a life-changing £4,000 per year, providing a critical buffer against the rising cost of living.
More Than Just Money: The Passport Benefits
Claiming Pension Credit acts as a gateway to a wider support package, often called 'passport benefits'. These include:
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and travel costs
- Automatic eligibility for the £900 Cost of Living payment
- Support with rent and Council Tax
- A free TV licence for those aged 75+
- Potential access to warm home and cold weather discounts
How to Check and Claim Your Entitlement
Checking your eligibility is straightforward. The quickest way is to use the official Pension Credit calculator on the GOV.UK website. You will need details of your income, savings, and investments to hand.
Claims can be started up to four months before reaching State Pension age and can be backdated by a further three months, meaning a potential lump sum for successful applicants.
Experts are urging all mixed-age couples, especially those struggling on a lower income, to check their eligibility immediately. This underclaimed support is a vital lifeline designed to ensure no pensioner lives in poverty.
