We believe that credit should be given where credit is due, and at the top of the list of deserving recipients are pensioners, especially considering their struggle to survive today’s cost of living. This is why DWP issues urgent statements before the end of the year, although their credit has nothing to do with praise, as over 900,000 people lose out on £4,300 on average each year. You’d best be keeping a keen eye on the post, as you may be one of the individuals who unnecessarily lose out on additional payments.
DWP issues urgent statement before the year ends
The UK economy has been struggling for the past years, and no matter where in the UK you live, the cost of living remains high and often unaffordable for most. A Zoom Abroad highlighted the average cost of living one can expect in the UK, which includes the cost of essentials such as utilities, food, and rent.
Average monthly cost of living per region
- North East England and Northern Ireland
- Single individuals – £1,000 to £1,500
- Families – £2,300 to £3,300
- Yorkshire and Wales
- Single individuals – £1,100 to £1,600
- Families – £2,400 to £3,400
- West Midlands, North West England, and Scotland
- Single individuals – £1,200 to £1,700
- Families – £2,500 to £3,500
- East of England and South West England
- Single individuals – £1,400 to £1,900
- Families – £2,800 to £3,800
- South East England
- Single individuals – £1,500 to £2,000
- Families – £2,800 to £3,800
One of the groups most affected by the UK’s high cost of living is pensioners, particularly those who rely on the State Pension as their sole income. This is why the DWP is issuing urgent statements, informing pensioners of a financial support programme that they are missing out on.
900,000 people are losing £4,300
The DWP’s latest figures revealed that more than 900,000 pensioners are eligible for a financial support programme that could pay out an average of £4,300 in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, but these pensioners are not claiming. These payments are a vital addition for pensioners claiming the State Pension, which is why the department plans to continue its awareness campaign until the end of the year.
The awareness campaign is conducted in collaboration with Age UK and Independent Age, urging pensioners to see whether they are eligible for Pension Credit. As part of the campaign, 2,000 letters were sent to prospective eligible Pension Credit claimants across England. Besides the additional weekly income, claimants also have these additional benefits to look forward to:
- Council tax assistance
- Housing cost assistance
- Help with heating bills
- Free TV licences for people aged 75 and older
The pensioners who deserve some credit
According to the latest DWP statement on Pension Credit, the South West and South East regions currently have the lowest numbers of Pension Credit claimants. If you are uncertain whether you qualify as a pensioner who is entitled to some credit, we recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria below.
Eligibility criteria
- Reside in Scotland, England, or Wales
- Must be State Pension age
- Single people must have a qualifying weekly income between £198.27 and £227.10
- Couples must have a qualifying weekly income between £312.34 and £346.60
- If your income is higher, you may still qualify if
- You have housing costs, or
- You are a carer, or
- Have a severe disability
“This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.” – Torsten Bell, Minister for Pensions
If you were identified as a potentially eligible Pension Credit claimant, ensure that you complete your application today! Applications can be made up to four months in advance of reaching State Pension age, allowing sufficient time for the administration process to be resolved. Applications can be submitted online, through the post, or by telephone. While you await the outcome of your application, we recommend reviewing the latest update on the pleasantly surprising State Pension increase for 2026.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of one-off payments, support payments, tax reliefs, tax refunds, tax credits and other payments is based on the official sources listed in the article. All payment amounts and dates, as well as eligibility requirements, are subject to change by the governing institutions. Always consult the official source we provide to stay up to date and obtain information for your decision-making.
