Thousands of state pensioners are missing out on a £3,900 cash boost that unlocks vital support. This means retirees might be able to claim extra financial support before the bone-chilling winter hits.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging all pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit. While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, up to an estimated 700,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it. Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
Other benefits are also available to those on Pension Credit such as assistance with housing and council tax costs, as well as scoring extra help with heating bills.
The DWP confirmed today that Pension Credit claims have risen since the Government announced Winter Fuel Payments would only go to those receiving the benefit.
Applications rose by a staggering 44% between July 2024 and July 2025, with more than 98,000 additional claims submitted compared with the previous year, taking the total figure to 320,300.
Of these, 181,100 claims were approved, a 46% rise on the year prior.
At £3,900 a year per new award, these extra Pension Credit claims add an estimated £223million to the benefits bill, even before factoring in knock-on help such as council tax support.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at retirement specialist Just Group, said: "This remains a drop in the context of the estimated 700,000 families eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it.
"Many people may simply be unaware of the benefit, not know how to claim, or assume they are not eligible if they own their own home. This year's research among people over 66 found that four in ten homeowners and one in seven renters had never checked their benefit entitlement."
Those who think they are entitled to this or believe a family member is should check the government website which has links to useful third-party calculators.
Stephen says other "good sources are Citizens Advice, local councils and charities".
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