Up to 910,000 pensioner households may be missing Pension Credit

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 10:30 · Archive

The DWP estimates 910,000 pensioner households across Great Britain qualify for Pension Credit but are not claiming it.

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued new guidance urging pensioners to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, after estimating that up to 910,000 pensioner households across Great Britain may be entitled to the benefit but are failing to claim it.

Pension Credit is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and live in Great Britain. It tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £238 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple. The average Pension Credit payment is more than £87 a week, equivalent to over £4,500 over a year. Claiming it can also unlock further help with household bills and other costs.

The DWP says common misconceptions about savings, homeownership and other pensions prevent pensioners from checking whether they qualify. People do not necessarily need to have paid National Insurance contributions to qualify, and having a small private or workplace pension does not automatically rule them out. The department stresses that pensioners may qualify even if they own their own home, noting that almost half of people receiving Pension Credit own their own home.

Savings are treated generously under the scheme. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored when Pension Credit is calculated. There is no overall savings cut-off that automatically prevents someone from claiming, although savings above £10,000 can affect the amount awarded.

The DWP's new guidance urges organisations, friends and family members to encourage older people to check their eligibility, particularly if their financial circumstances have changed.

How it is being reported

• Could you be missing £87 a week? Cumbria pensioners urged to checkThe DWP estimates up to 910,000 pensioner households could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming. Find out who may qualify and how to check.Westmorland Gazette · 14 Oct, 10:17
• Could you be missing £87 a week? Cumbria pensioners urged to checkThe DWP estimates up to 910,000 pensioner households could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming. Find out who may qualify and how to check.Cumberland News · 14 Oct, 10:17
• Could you be missing £87 a week? Cumbria pensioners urged to checkThe DWP estimates up to 910,000 pensioner households could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming. Find out who may qualify and how to check.Whitehaven News · 14 Oct, 10:17
• Could you be missing £87 a week? Cumbria pensioners urged to checkThe DWP estimates up to 910,000 pensioner households could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming. Find out who may qualify and how to check.NW Evening Mail · 14 Oct, 10:17

In this story: Department for Work and Pensions · Great Britain · Cumbria

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