Pension credit case review: Will pensioners have to hand over bank statements? What the DWP checks mean
Pension Credit claimants face new DWP financial checks. (Kirsty O’Connor/PA) (PA Wire)
Thousands of Pension Credit recipients could face closer scrutiny as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) begins a case review campaign aimed at identifying claims that may have been incorrectly paid.
Under the review process, some pensioners may be asked to provide additional financial information, including recent bank statements, as the government attempts to reduce overpayments and achieve significant savings from the benefits system.
The campaign forms part of a wider government effort to address rising levels of incorrect Pension Credit payments. According to figures cited by City AM, the government expects the reviews themselves to recover around £15 million, with approximately 10,700 claimants expected to have their entitlement reduced.
The wider programme is expected to contribute to savings of £370 million by April 2031.
Why is the DWP reviewing Pension Credit claims?
Pension Credit provides additional financial support to people who have reached State Pension age and are living on a low income. It can help with everyday living and housing costs, while also opening the door to other forms of assistance.
The DWP’s latest scrutiny comes after a rise in the proportion of Pension Credit claims that were overpaid. Figures released by the department reportedly showed that 33% of Pension Credit claims were overpaid during the 2025/26 tax year, compared with 28% the previous year.
Two factors were identified as major contributors to incorrect payments: claimants failing to fully disclose financial assets and spending longer periods outside the UK than benefit rules allow.
The case review campaign is intended to identify situations where a claimant’s circumstances may have changed or where information used to calculate entitlement may no longer be accurate.
Will Pension Credit claimants have to provide bank statements?
Not every Pension Credit recipient is necessarily expected to provide bank statements.
The DWP is contacting selected claimants for case reviews, and some of those whose claims are examined may be asked for additional documentation. This can include recent bank statements or other evidence relating to their financial circumstances.
The department has not disclosed how many pensioners will be selected for scrutiny or precisely how individual cases are being chosen.
That means receiving a Pension Credit review request does not automatically indicate that a claimant has done anything wrong. A review can be used to check whether the information supporting an existing claim remains accurate.
How much could Pension Credit claimants lose?
The government estimates that about 10,700 claimants could have their entitlement reduced following the reviews, with an average overpayment estimated at approximately £1,400 per affected case.
The potential financial impact will depend on the circumstances of each claimant and whether the review establishes that their entitlement was previously calculated incorrectly.
Pension Credit itself can provide substantial support to people on low incomes. City AM reported that the payment can top weekly income up to £238 for a single person and £363.25 for a couple, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility.
Any change to an individual’s award could also affect access to related support linked to Pension Credit.
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The government’s crackdown on incorrect claims comes alongside another problem: many eligible pensioners still do not claim Pension Credit.
Figures cited in the report estimate that around 761,000 pensioners failed to claim the benefit in the previous tax year despite potentially being eligible.
Pension Credit is sometimes described as a “passport benefit” because qualifying for it can provide access to additional forms of support, including help with certain household costs and other benefits.
The government previously launched a Pension Credit take-up campaign in an attempt to encourage more eligible pensioners to apply. The campaign reportedly resulted in an additional 33,500 people signing up.
What happens if the DWP finds an overpayment?
A Pension Credit review can result in a claimant’s entitlement being adjusted if the DWP determines that their circumstances do not match the information used to calculate their benefit.
An overpayment may occur when a claimant’s income, savings or other relevant circumstances have not been fully reported or when circumstances change and the payment is not adjusted quickly enough.
The review process is significant because Pension Credit is designed around a claimant’s financial circumstances. Changes to those circumstances can affect how much support a person is entitled to receive.
Claimants who receive a review request should carefully check what information the DWP is asking for and provide the requested evidence within the stated timeframe.
What does the £370 million Pension Credit savings target mean?
The government’s broader objective is to save £370 million by April 2031 by tackling incorrect benefit payments.
The case reviews are one part of that effort. The government expects the reviews themselves to recover around £15 million, while additional savings are expected from wider measures designed to improve the accuracy of Pension Credit payments.
The campaign highlights the government’s balancing act: reducing benefit overpayments while ensuring that vulnerable pensioners who qualify for assistance continue receiving the support they are entitled to.
FAQ
Will all Pension Credit claimants be investigated?
No. The available information indicates that the DWP is contacting selected Pension Credit recipients for case reviews. The department has not publicly disclosed the total number of people selected or the exact criteria being used.
Will I have to send my bank statements to the DWP?
Not necessarily. Some claimants selected for review may be asked for recent bank statements or other financial documents. The requirement depends on the circumstances of the individual case.
Why is the DWP checking Pension Credit claims?
The review campaign is intended to identify incorrect payments and reduce overpayments. The DWP has reported an increase in the proportion of Pension Credit claims that were overpaid.
Can my Pension Credit be reduced after a review?
Yes, if a review establishes that a claimant’s circumstances mean they are entitled to less than they currently receive, their award could be reduced.
What happens if I have been overpaid Pension Credit?
The DWP can reassess the claim and determine whether an overpayment occurred. The amount and circumstances of any recovery action will depend on the individual case.
What information can affect Pension Credit?
Financial circumstances, including relevant income and assets, can affect entitlement. Time spent outside the UK can also be relevant where benefit rules impose limits.
Why is Pension Credit important for pensioners?
Pension Credit provides additional income support to eligible people over State Pension age who have a low income. It can also act as a gateway to other forms of assistance.
How many pensioners could be affected by the review?
The DWP has not disclosed the total number of pensioners selected for scrutiny. The government estimates that approximately 10,700 claimants could have their entitlement reduced following the reviews.
How much is the government trying to save from Pension Credit reviews?
The government expects the reviews to recover around £15 million, while its wider measures are aimed at saving approximately £370 million by April 2031.
Is Pension Credit still available to new claimants?
Yes. The case review campaign concerns checking existing claims and addressing incorrect payments. Eligible pensioners who are not currently receiving Pension Credit can still investigate whether they qualify.
What pensioners should know about the review campaign
The new Pension Credit case review campaign does not mean every claimant will automatically lose benefits or be required to submit bank statements. The DWP is targeting selected cases as it seeks to improve the accuracy of payments and recover money it believes has been incorrectly paid.
For pensioners who receive a review request, the key issue will be ensuring that the information supplied to the DWP accurately reflects their current financial circumstances. At the same time, the campaign comes as the government continues trying to increase Pension Credit take-up among pensioners who may be eligible but are not receiving it.
The developments are likely to keep Pension Credit, bank statement checks and DWP benefit reviews in focus as the government pursues its long-term savings target.