GB News’ Political Editor Christopher Hope grills Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Helen Whately over previous Tory government’s record
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Almost a million pensioners across the UK are failing to claim a benefit worth more than £4,500 a year on average.
The Government is now pushing 660,000 leaflets through letterboxes to urge older people on low incomes to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit.
Around 2.3 million people are eligible for the income top-up, yet an estimated 910,000 are not receiving it, often because they simply do not realise they could be entitled.
In many cases, those missing out are among the country’s most financially vulnerable retirees.
The Department for Work and Pensions launched the leaflet campaign yesterday as part of a wider drive to boost take-up.
Around 1.4 million pensioner households already receive the benefit, which tops up weekly income for those on lower earnings in retirement.
The leaflets are being targeted at seven areas with high concentrations of low-income pensioners: Glasgow, Powys, Stockton-on-Tees, inland Cornwall, Birmingham, East Suffolk and Manchester.
The push follows last year’s record awareness campaign, which generated an extra 33,500 Pension Credit applications. The Government is now building on that momentum with a fresh round of outreach.
The initiative coincides with the DWP’s Pension Credit Week of Action, which aims to challenge widespread misconceptions about who can apply.
Alongside the leaflet drop, the campaign spans print, television, radio and social media advertising, including a partnership with ITV’s The Chase.
Pensioners are being encouraged to pin the leaflet to their fridge so the guidance remains easily accessible. Charities such as Independent Age and Citizens Advice are also offering support.
Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said: “Far too many pensioners are missing out on support they’re entitled to. Pension Credit is worth more than £4,500 a year on average and can make a real difference to people’s finances, while also opening the door to help with bills and other everyday costs.”
Mr Bell added: “If you think you might be eligible, it’s worth checking. We want to make sure pensioners get the support they’re entitled to and don’t miss out on money that could help them in retirement.”
Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said: “Our analysis found that in 2023/4 more than a million older people on low incomes who are eligible for Pension Credit did not receive it, missing out on a combined £2.5billion of life-changing support.”
Ms Vine said the charity hears “heartbreaking stories” daily of older people suffering financial hardship because they are unaware of the benefit or do not know they qualify.
Pension Credit can boost a single pensioner’s weekly income to £238, while couples may see their payments rise to £363.25 per week. That amounts to as much as £1,574 a month for a couple.
The exact sum depends on individual circumstances, as the benefit acts as a top-up to existing income.
One common misconception is that homeowners or those with savings are automatically excluded.
The Government says that is not the case and is urging people not to rule themselves out.
Even a small Pension Credit award can unlock further help.
Recipients may qualify for the £150 Warm Home Discount towards energy bills, and those aged over 75 could receive a free TV licence.
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