How to avoid pension mistakes that could cost you thousands
These are the most important mistakes - and a fix for each - to help your retirement income stretch further:
More than 800,000 pensioner households in the UK are still not claiming Pension Credit, despite being eligible. That's an average of £3,900 per year going unclaimed — money that could boost income and unlock further benefits.
The fix: If you're over State Pension age and your income is under £201 per week (single) or £307 (couple), use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator or contact Age UK to check eligibility. It could also entitle you to help with energy bills, NHS costs, and housing support.
Many people start claiming their State Pension at 66 (although this is rising), unaware they could receive significantly more by waiting.
The fix: Experts at Funderer say: "Delaying your State Pension increases payments by 5.8% for every full year deferred. Based on the full new State Pension of £230.25 per week, that's a boost of around £700 a year for life after just a one-year delay. Deferral can be especially worthwhile if you're still working or have other income."
Drawing from a private pension while still paying in can trigger the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) — cutting your tax-free pension contribution limit from £60,000 to just £10,000 per year.
The fix: Avoid flexible withdrawals (like UFPLS or income drawdown) until you're sure you won't want to keep paying into your pension. Once triggered, the MPAA is permanent. Martin Lewis advises seeking guidance from Pension Wise or an adviser before accessing your pot.
Many retirees keep cash in accounts earning under 1% interest, losing real value due to inflation.
The fix: Move your money. As of July 2025, top easy-access savings accounts pay up to 4.98%, and fixed-rate ISAs and bonds offer up to 4.58%. Moving just £20,000 from a 1% to 4.5% account could earn an extra £700–£900 per year.
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Beyond pensions, many over-60s fail to claim additional benefits they're entitled to — from free NHS prescriptions to the winter fuel payment, council tax reductions, and more.
The fix: Use trusted tools like EntitledTo or Age UK's benefits checker to find out what you could be claiming.
In some cases, you may be missing out on hundreds of pounds annually in overlooked perks.
'Many over-60s are unknowingly leaving money on the table,' says Funderer's lead analyst.
'These aren't complicated strategies — they're simple steps that can have a big impact on financial security in retirement. Acting now can make your money last longer and give you peace of mind.'
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