Retirees are being urged to check their eligibility for “vital” benefit support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as £3billion in Pension Credit remains unclaimed.
Age UK has issued an urgent appeal for older people to verify whether they qualify for Pension Credit amid the recent spell of cold weather.
The charity’s Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight campaign highlights that approximately one million pensioners who are entitled to the benefit are failing to claim it. Those missing out are losing an average of £50 weekly, which amounts to roughly £2,600 annually.
Pension Credit serves as a crucial income top-up for those on limited means and acts as a gateway to further financial assistance, including Cold Weather Payments, council tax reductions, energy cost support, and free television licences for those aged over 75.
Age UK is calling on pensioners to check eligibility for Pension Credit
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ALAMYCaroline Abrahams CBE, the charity director at Age UK, said: “During this cold snap, it’s vital for older people to stay warm and well in their homes.”
She noted that rising prices for energy, food, and rent have severely affected living standards over the past four years, with the charity continuing to hear distressing accounts of pensioners resorting to extreme measures to cope financially.”
For those who rely on the State Pension as their main source of income, Pension Credit can make a real difference,” Ms Abrahams added.
Throughout 2025, the charity’s national Advice Line provided assistance to more than 6,000 older individuals seeking help with benefit checks and applications.
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This support identified over £36million in unclaimed financial assistance that pensioners were entitled to receive.
On average, each person helped through the service discovered they were missing out on approximately £5,900 in benefits.
The charity notes that successfully obtaining Pension Credit can prove transformative for older people whose fixed incomes have failed to keep pace with rising living costs.
Around 1.9 million pensioners currently live in poverty, yet many do not seek help because they wrongly assume they would not qualify or find the application process overwhelming.
Older Britons have been impacted by the cold weather
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GETTYAge UK is encouraging all pensioners to take three key steps: verify their eligibility for Pension Credit and other benefits, submit applications early as claims can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age, and spread the word to others who may be struggling with energy and food expenses.
Those concerned about managing costs this winter can reach Age UK’s Advice Line on 0800 169 6565 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/benefits for guidance.
The service operates every day of the year between 8am and 7pm
.Local Age UK branches across the country also provide personalised services and support to older residents in their communities.