Updated
Updated · Daily Record · Jun 18
DWP Urges 760,000 Pensioners to Claim £4,300 Pension Credit Boost
Updated
Updated · Daily Record · Jun 18

DWP Urges 760,000 Pensioners to Claim £4,300 Pension Credit Boost

1 articles · Updated · Daily Record · Jun 18

Summary

  • About 760,000 pensioners in Great Britain are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it, with the DWP urging applications to raise incomes during the cost-of-living squeeze.
  • The means-tested benefit tops weekly income up to £238 for single pensioners and £363.25 for couples, while an average award can deliver about £4,300 in support over the coming year.
  • Even a £1 weekly award can unlock extra help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills, NHS expenses and free TV licences for over-75s.
  • Nearly 78% of new claims are processed within the 50-working-day target, meaning people applying this month could receive first payments and arrears before the end of August.
  • Around 1.4 million older people already receive Pension Credit, but eligibility can still apply to homeowners or people with savings, depending on income, caring duties, disability or housing costs.

Insights

Has a simple data change artificially hidden a worsening poverty crisis among the UK's elderly?
Why does a rule leaving 70,000 couples £7,000 poorer persist despite massive public opposition?