The DWP estimates that around 760,000 pensioners qualify for the State Pension top-up but are not claiming it
More than a million older adults in Great Britain are receiving Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit providing an average of £4,300 in additional support during the 2025/26 financial year. Yet, estimates indicate that approximately 760,000 pensioners are eligible but are not taking advantage of it.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its awareness campaign this year, encouraging people to check their eligibility and submit a claim. Pensioners who are married with a combined weekly income under £346, or single pensioners earning less than £227.10, may be eligible for Pension Credit.
There’s a common misconception among some seniors that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from means-tested benefits, which can help with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. However, even an award of just £1 per week can make them eligible for additional support.
The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78% of new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target of 50 working days (10 weeks), from application to award letter. This indicates that older people with low incomes who make a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any back payments by July, according to the Daily Record.
It is critical for all older people – whether they’re single, married, or cohabiting – to ensure they are claiming all available financial support this year. This can help increase their income and ease the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Here’s everything you need to know about the benefit.
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Understanding Pension Credit
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your combined income is taken into account.
Pension Credit boosts:
- Your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single
- Your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner
Even if your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs.
What is considered income?
Your income includes:
- Other pensions
- Earnings from employment and self-employment
- Most social security benefits, for example, Carer’s Allowance
- State Pension
What doesn’t count as income?
Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are excluded:
- Social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- DWP Christmas Bonus
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Personal Independence Payment
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Your savings
If your savings and investments are £10,000 or less, they won’t affect your Pension Credit. However, if you have more than £10,000, every extra £500 is treated as £1 of weekly income.
For example, having £11,000 in savings equates to £2 of income per week.
Where to check eligibility
Anyone interested in making a Pension Credit claim can use the online GOV.UK calculator to assess their eligibility. This is available here.
Pensioners can also ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim at 0800 99 1234. The helpline is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Help and advice are also available from:
More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
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