The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has raised concerns over a large number of eligible pensioners in Great Britain who are not claiming Pension Credit, a benefit designed to top up income for older adults. Current estimates suggest that around 760,000 pensioners could receive Pension Credit but have yet to apply.
For married couples with a combined weekly income below £363.25, this benefit can raise income to the qualifying level, providing an average of £4,300 in additional financial support per year.
Claiming Pension Credit can also grant access to other forms of help, such as assistance with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. Pensioners with savings of £10,000 or less remain unaffected in their eligibility calculations.
Key Eligibility Details for Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit, and eligibility is determined based on a combination of income, savings, and household circumstances. Income considered includes the State Pension, other private or work pensions, earnings from employment or self-employment, and most social security benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.
Certain payments are excluded, such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Child Benefit, and social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance.
Savings up to £10,000 do not impact eligibility. For amounts above this threshold, every £500 over £10,000 is counted as £1 per week of income. For instance, a pensioner with £11,000 in savings would have an additional £2 per week counted against them.
Mixed-age couples, where one partner has reached State Pension age and the other has not, are treated as working-age couples and cannot claim Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit until both reach State Pension age.
Importantly, even a small award of £1 per week is sufficient to unlock access to additional support, including help with housing, heating, and Council Tax, making it worthwhile for all eligible pensioners.
Decline in Claims and Financial Implications
Pension Credit applications have fallen sharply, with a 34% drop year-on-year to 211,125 applications in 2025/26. Successful awards decreased by 24% to 138,165 during the same period.
This decline follows the reversal of a policy that linked Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit, which had previously encouraged applications.
Experts and campaigners warn that the drop in claims may leave many pensioners unaware of their entitlement, potentially missing income top-ups worth thousands of pounds annually, as well as associated benefits such as help with housing and utilities.
Charities and organisations like Age UK stress that many older people are deterred by the perceived complexity of claiming, the stigma surrounding benefits, or misconceptions about eligibility.
Some believe that owning a home or having modest savings disqualifies them, or that small weekly awards are not worth applying for. In reality, even minimal awards can provide access to significant additional support, underlining the importance of raising awareness about the benefit.
How to Check Eligibility and Claim Pension Credit
Pensioners can quickly assess their eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK. The calculator requires details of income, pensions, benefits, savings, and, where applicable, information for a partner.
Alternatively, applicants can call the dedicated Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 or submit applications online, by phone, or by post.
Claims can be backdated by up to three months, meaning that pensioners who apply now may receive both their current entitlement and arrears payments by August.
The DWP reports that nearly 78% of new applications are processed within 50 working days, providing relatively fast access to support once a claim is submitted.
Pension Credit remains a vital source of financial support for older people in the UK, yet a significant number of eligible pensioners are not claiming it. With annual awards averaging £4,300, plus access to housing, heating, and Council Tax support, claiming the benefit can substantially ease financial pressures.
Pensioners are encouraged to check their eligibility using the online calculator or helpline, submit claims promptly, and ensure they receive all the support they are entitled to. Increasing awareness about Pension Credit is essential to prevent thousands from missing out on vital income and associated benefits in 2026.
FAQs
1. What is Pension Credit and who can claim it?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income for pensioners. Single pensioners with income below £238 per week and couples with combined income below £363.25 may qualify, even if they have savings or own a home.
2. How much can Pension Credit provide?
Eligible pensioners can receive an average of £4,300 per year. Even a small award can unlock additional support for housing, heating, and Council Tax.
3. Can mixed-age couples claim Pension Credit?
No. Couples where one partner is below State Pension age are considered working-age and cannot claim Pension Credit until both partners reach State Pension age.
4. How do I check if I am eligible?
You can check eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234.
5. Can Pension Credit applications be backdated?
Yes. Claims can be backdated by up to three months, allowing eligible pensioners to receive arrears payments along with their current entitlement.
