Millions of older people could be missing out on money they’re entitled to without even realising it.
New research has shown that a simple assumption may be costing pensioners thousands every year.
Around 79 per cent of pensioner homeowners are not claiming the benefits they qualify for, with those missing out losing an average of £1,807 a year, research from retirement specialist Just Group has found. A further nine per cent are under-claiming and forgoing around £2,915 annually.
Despite rising living costs, many are failing to check if they are entitled to extra help. Around 40 per cent of homeowners have never assessed their eligibility for state benefits beyond the state pension, the research found. Among renters, the figure is significantly lower, at just 15 per cent.
This hidden loss appears to be linked to a “common misconception”: that owning one’s own home makes them ineligible. In reality, state benefits such as Pension Credit are based on income, not whether someone owns their own property. Many homeowners with modest incomes still qualify.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: “It is concerning that pensioner homeowners do not check their eligibility for valuable financial support, suggesting a common assumption that home ownership disqualifies them from benefits like Pension Credit.
Pensioner homeowners could be missing out on an extra £1,800 a year
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“Our own work with pensioner homeowners confirms that many are missing out on thousands of pounds every year in unclaimed benefits.”
The research highlights the broader consequences of low benefit take-up. Missing out on Pension Credit doesn’t just reduce household income.
It also means losing access to other linked benefits, such as a free TV licence for over-75s, help with NHS costs, council tax reductions, and, since recent changes, the Winter Fuel Payment.
Lowe said: “This research, published hot on the heels of ‘Awful April’ which saw many household bills rise for pensioners across the country, underlines the importance of people checking to see if they are entitled to additional State Benefits.
“We encourage all pensioners – whether homeowners or not – not to assume they are ineligible for support, and instead to make use of the many free resources available to help identify benefit entitlements and guide them through the claims process.”
Free tools are available through GOV.UK to help people check their entitlement and begin the claims process
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Just Group’s latest findings come amid growing pressure to boost benefit take-up rates, especially after access to the Winter Fuel Payment was restricted to pension credit recipients only.
Campaigners argue that failing to claim even a small benefit could now mean losing out on multiple forms of support. Free tools are available through GOV.UK to help people check their entitlement and begin the claims process.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who are on a low income. For the 2025–2026 tax year, the standard minimum guarantee is £227.10 per week for single pensioners and £346.60 per week for couples.
Those whose income falls below these thresholds may qualify for Guarantee Credit, which tops up their weekly income to the minimum level.
Pension Credit eligibility is based on income and personal circumstances, not on whether someone owns or rents their home
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Some pensioners may also qualify for Savings Credit—a separate element available only to those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016 and who have made modest provision for retirement.
Eligibility is based on income and personal circumstances, not on whether someone owns or rents their home.
Certain factors such as receiving disability benefits, being a carer, or having housing costs, can increase entitlement.
Applicants will need details of their income, savings, and investments, as well as their National Insurance number.
