Pension Credit can provide valuable additional support to people over State Pension age who are on a low income. Yet government figures indicate that many households who may be entitled to the benefit do not receive it.
The benefit is separate from the State Pension and is designed to top up income for eligible older people. Depending on individual circumstances, Pension Credit can also open the door to other forms of support, including help with housing costs and certain household expenses.
Financial campaigners, including Martin Lewis, have repeatedly highlighted the number of eligible pensioners who do not claim Pension Credit. The government also publishes estimates showing that a significant amount of entitlement goes unclaimed.
Support
Pension Credit is made up of different elements, with Guarantee Credit providing a minimum income for eligible people.
For the figures cited in the supplied information, Guarantee Credit can top weekly income up to:
- £238 a week for a single person
- £363.25 a week for a couple
These amounts are subject to the applicable rules and rates for the relevant period.
Some people can receive additional amounts because of their circumstances. For example, an eligible person with a severe disability may qualify for an additional payment if they receive Attendance Allowance or another qualifying benefit.
The amount someone receives is not necessarily the same as another person’s payment. Pension Credit is means-tested, so income and other circumstances are taken into account.
The official GOV.UK Pension Credit guidance explains the current eligibility rules and payment arrangements.
Eligibility
Pension Credit is intended for people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income.
One common misconception is that having savings or owning a home automatically prevents someone from qualifying. That is not necessarily the case.
The assessment can take account of income, savings and other circumstances, but having some savings or owning your home does not by itself mean that you cannot receive Pension Credit.
Other factors can also affect entitlement. Someone who is a carer, has a severe disability or is responsible for a child or young person may qualify for additional support.
Because the calculation depends on individual circumstances, people should check their entitlement rather than assuming they are not eligible.
Figures
Government statistics show the scale of Pension Credit claims and the number of households that may still be missing out.
According to DWP benefit statistics, around 1.39 million people were receiving Pension Credit in August 2025.
Separate DWP estimates published in October 2025 indicated that around 910,000 families who were entitled to Pension Credit did not receive it during the relevant period.
The same government analysis estimated that 71% of the total amount of Pension Credit available to be claimed was actually received in the 2024 tax year. That compared with 78% in the previous tax year.
These figures describe estimated take-up rather than a count of people who have definitely chosen not to claim. Eligibility and entitlement can change as people’s financial circumstances change.
Reasons
There are several possible reasons why eligible households do not receive Pension Credit.
Age UK has highlighted misconceptions about the benefit, including uncertainty about whether someone can qualify if they have savings or own their home.
Independent Age has also identified factors such as a lack of awareness of the benefit, uncertainty about eligibility and concerns about claiming means-tested support.
For some households, the potential value can be significant. Age UK says the average Pension Credit payment is more than £65 a week. Over a full year, that would amount to more than £3,000, although the actual amount varies from person to person.
This is why the headline figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed payment. Pension Credit is calculated according to individual circumstances, and some people may receive considerably less while others may receive more when additional elements apply.
Extras
Pension Credit can also act as a gateway to other forms of financial support.
Depending on circumstances, receiving Pension Credit can help someone qualify for assistance such as:
- Support with certain housing costs
- Council Tax-related help
- Cold Weather Payments where the relevant conditions are met
- A free TV licence for eligible people aged 75 or over
- Other forms of support linked to low income
These additional schemes have their own eligibility requirements. Receiving Pension Credit does not automatically guarantee every type of assistance.
The interaction between different benefits can also be complicated, so people should check the rules for each form of support separately.
Claiming
People who think they may qualify can check their eligibility and apply through the government’s Pension Credit service.
The GOV.UK Pension Credit page provides information about eligibility and how to apply. The government also provides a Pension Credit calculator that can help people estimate whether they may be entitled.
It is generally worth checking even if you have another source of income, savings or own your home. The important point is that entitlement is determined by the relevant rules and a person’s individual circumstances.
A claim can also be important because receiving Pension Credit may affect eligibility for other support. Someone who is unsure whether their income is low enough should not necessarily rule themselves out without checking.
Check
The wider debate about pension policy has also brought renewed attention to the role of Pension Credit as a means-tested safety net. Regardless of how pension policy changes in the future, the existing Pension Credit rules provide a route for eligible people over State Pension age to receive additional support.
For households on a limited income, checking entitlement can therefore be worthwhile even when they have previously assumed they would not qualify. The most reliable way to establish eligibility is to use the current government guidance and make a claim where appropriate.
Pension Credit is not an automatic increase to everyone’s State Pension. It is a separate, means-tested benefit, and the amount depends on individual circumstances. Anyone who thinks they may qualify can use the official GOV.UK service to check the rules and apply.
