Pensioners urged to check eligibility for DWP top-up benefit
The DWP estimates that around 760,000 pensioners qualify for the State Pension top-up but are not claiming it
More than a million older adults in Great Britain are receiving Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit providing an average of £4,300 in additional support during the 2025/26 financial year. Yet, estimates indicate that approximately 760,000 pensioners are eligible but are not taking advantage of it.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its awareness campaign this year, encouraging people to check their eligibility and submit a claim. Pensioners who are married with a combined weekly income under £346, or single pensioners earning less than £227.10, may be eligible for Pension Credit.
There's a common misconception among some seniors that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from means-tested benefits, which can help with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. However, even an award of just £1 per week can make them eligible for additional support.
The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78% of new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target of 50 working days (10 weeks), from application to award letter. This indicates that older people with low incomes who make a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any back payments by July, according to the Daily Record.
It is critical for all older people - whether they're single, married, or cohabiting - to ensure they are claiming all available financial support this year. This can help increase their income and ease the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Here's everything you need to know about the benefit.
Understanding Pension Credit
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your combined income is taken into account.
Pension Credit boosts:
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.
What is considered income?
Your income includes:
Other pensions
Earnings from employment and self-employment
Most social security benefits, for example, Carer's Allowance
State Pension
What doesn't count as income?
Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are excluded:
Social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Reduction
Adult Disability Payment
Attendance Allowance
DWP Christmas Bonus
Child Benefit
Disability Living Allowance
Pension Age Disability Payment
Personal Independence Payment
Your savings
If your savings and investments are £10,000 or less, they won't affect your Pension Credit. However, if you have more than £10,000, every extra £500 is treated as £1 of weekly income.
For example, having £11,000 in savings equates to £2 of income per week.
Where to check eligibility
Anyone interested in making a Pension Credit claim can use the online GOV.UK calculator to assess their eligibility. This is available here.
Pensioners can also ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim at 0800 99 1234. The helpline is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Help and advice are also available from:
Independent Age
Income Max
Citizens Advice
Age UK
More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
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