UK government expands Pension Credit outreach to boost benefit take-up among low-income pensioners

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Pension Credit outreach expands

Highlights

Pension Credit outreach campaign delivers 660,000 leaflets to low-income households in specific UK regions to encourage new benefit claims.
Last year's campaign generated 33,500 new Pension Credit applications, with the current effort set to build on increased awareness and address misconceptions.
Over 1 million eligible pensioners missed out on Pension Credit worth £2.5 billion in 2023/24, as the government ties uptake to wider support including Winter Fuel Payment and a State Pension rise of up to £2,100.

Leaflet campaign targets low-income areas

As reported by GOV.UK, the Department for Work and Pensions is sending 660,000 leaflets to households in Glasgow, Powys, Stockton-on-Tees, inland Cornwall, Birmingham, East Suffolk and Manchester, areas identified as having a high proportion of low-income pensioners.

The guidance urges pensioners and their families to check eligibility, support a loved one in making a claim and keep the information accessible at home. It also addresses common misconceptions, including the idea that homeowners or people with savings cannot qualify for Pension Credit.

The department says around 1.4 million pensioner households are already receiving the benefit. It adds that last year's awareness campaign, described as its largest to date, generated an additional 33,500 applications, and the new drive is intended to build on that response.

Broader support push and take-up gap

The campaign runs during the department's Pension Credit Week of Action and forms part of a wider effort to increase uptake through print, TV, radio and social media advertising, including a partnership with ITV's The Chase.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell says too many pensioners are missing support they are entitled to, adding that Pension Credit can also unlock further help with bills and daily costs. The government links the initiative to its broader support package for older households, including Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, Attendance Allowance and the State Pension, which it says is set to rise by up to £2,100 over this Parliament.

Independent Age says its analysis found that in 2023/24 more than 1 million older people on low incomes who were eligible for Pension Credit did not receive it, missing out on a combined £2.5 billion. The charity and Citizens Advice are among the organisations being highlighted for pensioners seeking extra guidance on retirement support.

Our earlier article on Nigeria’s rising cost pressures highlighted warnings that economic growth is not translating into better living standards for low-income households as food and energy prices climb. It noted calls for expanded cash transfer programmes and broader policy reforms to curb inflation-driven strain and prevent widening inequality.

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