Could you be missing out on £3,900 a year? Pensioners urged to check for extra support

Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be missing out on up to £3,900 a year in extra income.  

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging all pensioners to check whether they’re eligible for pension credit, a benefit designed to boost the income of those over state pension age. 

While 1.4 million people are already claiming it, around 700,000 households could be eligible but haven’t yet applied. 

Why apply now? 

Applications have surged since the government announced that winter fuel payments will only go to those receiving pension credit, something it later backtracked on.   

Between July 2024 and July 2025: 

• applications rose by 44% 

• over 98,000 extra claims were submitted 

• 181,100 claims were approved, a 46% increase on the previous year 

What is pension credit?  

Pension credit is a benefit for people over state pension age who have low incomes.  

It’s separate from your state pension and you can get it even if you own your own home and have other income or savings.  

Who can claim? 

You could be eligible if: 

• you're over state pension age 

• you live in the UK 

You also don’t need to have paid national insurance to qualify. 

When you apply, the government will look at your total income, including your partner’s if you have one. 

Pension credit can top up your income to: 

• £227.10 per week if you're single 

• £346.60 per week as a couple 

Even if your income is slightly higher, you may still qualify, especially if: 

• you have a disability 

• you’re a carer 

• you have housing costs 

What counts as income? 

When your income is calculated, it includes: 

• your state pension 

• any private or workplace pensions 

• earnings from a job or self-employment 

• most other benefits, like carer’s allowance 

How to check if you qualify 

Don’t miss out on money you could be entitled to. Use the government’s pension credit calculator to see if you’re eligible. 

If you think you might be missing out on benefits, we can check you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. So get in touch or try our benefits calculator.