The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that 760,000 pensioners are entitled to this State Pension top-up, but are not claiming it
Certain older couples could be eligible for an additional £4,300 in support a year. Those with a combined income of less than £346 a week could receive Pension Credit.
Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are benefiting from this means-tested benefit. It can provide an average of up to £4,300 in extra support during the 2025/26 financial year.
However, as highlighted by the Daily Record, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that a staggering 760,000 pensioners are entitled to the State Pension top-up, but are not claiming it. The department will continue its awareness campaign this year, encouraging people to check their eligibility and make a claim.
Married pensioners with a combined weekly income of less than £346 per week, or single pensioners with an income of below £227.10 could be eligible for Pension Credit. It is thought some older people believe that because they have savings or own their home, they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and council tax.
An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit are processed – from initial application to award decision letter – within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks).
This implies that older individuals on a low income making a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any arrears by July. It’s crucial for all older people – whether single, married or cohabiting – to ensure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and counteract the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Here’s what you need to know about Pension Credit
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your incomes are calculated together.
Pension Credit can increase:
- 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. Your income includes:
- State Pension
- Other pensions
- Earnings from employment and self-employment
- Most social security benefits – for example, Carer’s Allowance.
Not all benefits are counted as income. For instance, the following are not counted:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- DWP Christmas Bonus
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Personal Independence Payment
- Social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Your savings.
If your savings and investments total £10,000 or less, this will not impact your Pension Credit. However, if you have more than £10,000, every £500 over that amount is considered as £1 income per week.
For instance, if you have £11,000 in savings, this equates to £2 income weekly. You can verify your eligibility by utilising the online Pension Credit Calculator here.
