Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be missing out on up to £1,800 in extra income per year by not claiming key benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A new report reveals that a staggering 79% of eligible pensioner homeowners are failing to claim their rightful benefits, leaving them financially vulnerable during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
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With rising household bills, council tax increases, and inflation pressures, ensuring you receive every penny you’re entitled to is more important than ever. This guide breaks down who qualifies for these benefits, how much they could be worth, and how to claim them hassle-free.
💰 Why Are Pensioners Missing Out on Thousands of Pounds?
A new study from Just Group’s State Benefits Insight Report found that nearly one-third (33%) of pensioner homeowners were entitled to at least one key benefit. However, of those eligible:
✔ 79% were not claiming any benefits at all
✔ 9% were claiming less than they were entitled to
✔ The average amount lost was £1,807 per year
✔ Some were missing out on as much as £7,560 annually
The main reason? Lack of awareness, misconceptions about eligibility, and the complexity of the claims process. Many pensioners wrongly assume that owning a home disqualifies them from benefits, but this is not the case!
Let’s dive into the main benefits older homeowners are failing to claim.
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🔹 Main Unclaimed Benefits Pensioners Could Be Eligible For
1️⃣ Guarantee Pension Credit – Extra £1,391 Per Year
✅ What is it? A benefit designed to top up low-income pensions to ensure pensioners have enough to live on.
💷 How much could you get?
✔ £218.15 per week for a single person
✔ £332.95 per week for a couple
✔ Additional payments available if you’re disabled or a carer
📢 How many people are missing out?
Only 1 in 10 eligible pensioners are claiming this benefit, meaning many households are losing out on £1,391 per year.
🔍 Why claim it?
✔ It’s a gateway benefit to other financial support, such as:
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Council Tax Reduction
- Free NHS prescriptions & dental care
📞 How to claim: Call 0800 99 1234 or apply online at GOV.UK.
2️⃣ Savings Pension Credit – Extra £933 Per Year
✅ What is it? A small ‘top-up’ benefit for those who saved modestly for retirement but still have a low income.
💷 How much could you get?
✔ Up to £17.01 per week for a single person
✔ Up to £19.04 per week for a couple
📢 How many people are missing out?
✔ Only 25% of eligible pensioners are claiming this benefit, leaving thousands without financial help.
🔍 Who can claim it?
✔ You must have reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016.
✔ You must have an income of at least £189.80 per week (single) or £301.22 per week (couple).
📞 How to claim: Call 0800 99 1234 or visit GOV.UK.
3️⃣ Council Tax Reduction – Extra £1,067 Per Year
✅ What is it? A reduction in council tax bills for low-income pensioners.
💷 How much could you get?
✔ Average savings of £1,067 per year
✔ In some cases, you could pay zero council tax
📢 How many people are missing out?
✔ Only 25% of eligible pensioners are claiming, even though 29% of pensioner households qualify.
📞 How to claim: Contact your local council or apply online via GOV.UK.
4️⃣ Universal Credit – Extra £2,626 Per Year (For Pre-Retirement Pensioners)
✅ What is it? A benefit for low-income individuals below State Pension age.
💷 How much could you get?
✔ Up to £2,626 per year
📢 How many people are missing out?
✔ 50% of eligible claimants are not applying, leaving them thousands of pounds short each year.
📞 How to claim: Apply online via GOV.UK.
🔍 How to Check If You Qualify for These Benefits
If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled to extra income, checking is quick and easy.
🔹 Use the Pension Credit Calculator – Visit GOV.UK to get an instant eligibility estimate.
🔹 Call the Pension Credit Helpline – Speak with an advisor at 0800 99 1234 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM).
🔹 Get free advice from experts – Contact Age UK, Citizens Advice, or Independent Age for personalized support.
💡 Tip: Even if you’ve been denied before, your circumstances may have changed—it’s worth checking again!
📢 Why You Should Act Now
The UK Government estimates that 760,000 pensioner families are missing out on £1.5 billion in unclaimed Pension Credit.
With rising living costs and financial pressures, every extra penny counts. Claiming your rightful benefits can help ease the burden of bills, council tax, and daily expenses.
If you or someone you know is over 66 and struggling financially, take action today:
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Make a claim online or by phone
✅ Receive extra income to improve your quality of life
Don’t leave money on the table—claim what’s yours! 💰🔥
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