He warned many pensioners are missing out on extra DWP support
Martin Lewis has called on state pensioners to do a quick check to find out if they qualify for more DWP payments. The personal finance expert has highlighted a “fundamentally underclaimed” benefit, with hundreds of thousands of older people potentially missing out on the vital support.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Mr Lewis discussed Pension Credit, which can deliver more than £4,000 annually in extra help. The benefit boosts your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. Crucially, it also unlocks access to numerous other forms of Government support.
Mr Lewis recounted one case where a claimant received a modest income boost through the scheme, but the additional entitlements it triggered saved them over £3,000 on their annual bills. He set out some concerning figures: “The latest stats are still over 900,000 of 2.3 million people who are eligible aren’t claiming it.
“As it’s just been increased for the new tax year, even more people are now eligible, some who weren’t before.” The benefit is available to those of state pension age living on a low income. You don’t need to be receiving your state pension to access the support.
How much is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit increases your income to £238 weekly for single claimants and up to £363.25 weekly if you’re part of a couple. Additional amounts may be available based on your circumstances, such as an extra £86.05 weekly if you have a severe disability or an extra £48.15 weekly if you’re caring for another adult.
However, claiming this benefit unlocks a wealth of additional support, including council tax reductions, assistance with NHS expenses and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over. Mr Lewis highlighted the experience of one pensioner couple who reaped huge rewards from these added advantages.
£3,000 success story
For them, the income top-up amounted to merely £6.10 weekly, or slightly over £300 annually. Yet the financial gains extended far beyond that initial sum. The wife said: “This opened up benefits.
“Due to the application being backdated to when I applied, I didn’t have any council tax to pay this year, a saving of £2,500 a year. Add to this a free TV licence, Warm Home Discount and lower water bill, this has resulted in a saving of over £3,000 a year.”
She said these savings have been a huge relief for their money worries. She said: “This has made such a difference to my husband and me, with less worry over the cost of living.
“I’m still budgeting very carefully, but with less pressure and anxiety.” The wife urged people not to let pride stand in the way of claiming the benefit.
She said: “My husband and I worked as a self-employed plasterer and me as a receptionist. We had worked hard to buy our own property and had only one child.
“We’d never apply for benefits, how many are in a similar position. I regret to say that I’m too embarrassed to tell my friends that I’m in receipt of these benefits but please keep impressing on your viewers their rights and urge them to apply. I know the forms online are a little daunting but I’m sure family or a trusted friend would help.”
Big message
Echoing this call to action, Mr Lewis said: “That’s my big message. Pension Credit isn’t just about the money you get itself. It is the core gateway to so many other things.
“Free TV licence if you’re over 75, housing benefit if you’re a renter, council tax deductions, free dental treatment, reduced prescriptions, glasses and contact lenses. It’s absolutely crucial people know if they are eligible or not.”
Mr Lewis offered a general guide to determining whether you might be eligible and whether it’s worth investigating. He explained that single individuals with a total weekly income below £238 are “likely” to qualify for the benefit.
Those earning slightly more but still under £250 per week are told it is “definitely worth checking to see” if they could claim the support. For couples, if your joint income falls below £363 per week, Mr Lewis indicated you are “very likely” to qualify. Should your combined weekly income be under £380, it’s definitely worth checking your eligibility.
You can verify whether you qualify using the Pension Credit calculator available on the gov.uk website.
