One million pensioners not claiming benefit, finds DWP

According to DWP figures, up to one million pensioner households are not claiming the benefit despite qualifying for it

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged claimants to check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit.

According to DWP figures, up to one million pensioner households are not claiming the benefit despite qualifying for it.

Pension Credit is separate from State Pension, and gives pensioners extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income.

DWP Secretary of State said pensioners should claim even if it is just for a small amount as it could open the door to additional benefits, as reported by Sussex Live.

Dr Therese Coffey told the Work and Pensions Committee: About three-quarters of people who we estimate to be eligible for the minimum income guarantee do apply. On the savings side, only about half of people, we estimate, apply.

I expect a lot of that might be driven not by complexity but, when you go through some of the calculation, you might be getting pennies back from the savings credit element, she said.

We will continue to highlight the other benefits that could accrue and, even if you are getting, frankly, two pence a week from the UK Government, what you could be entitled to as well, she said.

She added: We will continue to advertise that, but we have done quite a substantial amount of advertising in the past year. We cannot force people to apply for this. There are plenty of indicators.

The DWP recently shared two new short videos on YouTube that cover the basics of Pension Credit with a link to the dedicated pages on GOV.UK to encourage people over State Pension age and their families to make a claim.