UK Pension Credit: Myths about home ownership, savings and eligibility the new campaign wants to correct
UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
Hundreds of thousands of UK pensioners are being urged to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, as the government launches a new campaign to help low-income retirees access financial support worth more than £4,500 a year on average.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced on October 13, 2026, that it will distribute 660,000 leaflets to households across seven areas of the UK as part of efforts to increase awareness of the benefit.
The campaign targets pensioners who may be missing out because they are unaware of the scheme or mistakenly believe their savings or home ownership make them ineligible.
Pension Credit provides an income boost to eligible older people and can unlock access to additional support with household expenses, including certain winter payments and other benefits.
Pension Credit campaign targets 660,000 households
The latest initiative builds on a government awareness campaign conducted in 2025, which the DWP said led to an additional 33,500 Pension Credit applications.
The new leaflets will be distributed in Glasgow, Powys, Stockton-on-Tees, inland Cornwall, Birmingham, East Suffolk and Manchester. These areas were selected because they have a high proportion of low-income pensioners.
The materials will explain how to check eligibility, submit a claim and help an older relative apply. The government is also encouraging recipients to keep the information somewhere visible, such as on a fridge, so family members can refer to it when needed.
The campaign forms part of the DWP’s Pension Credit Week of Action, which aims to challenge misconceptions and encourage eligible pensioners to claim the assistance available to them.
Around 1.4 million pensioner households are already receiving Pension Credit, according to the department.
How much is Pension Credit worth?
Pension Credit is worth more than £4,500 a year on average, according to the DWP. The amount an individual receives depends on their circumstances and income.
The benefit is designed to help eligible pensioners on lower incomes meet essential living costs. It can also provide access to other forms of assistance, potentially making it valuable beyond the direct payment.
The DWP’s latest campaign highlights support that may be available to pensioners, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments and Attendance Allowance, subject to the separate eligibility rules for each scheme.
The government has also said the State Pension is set to rise by up to £2,100 over the current Parliament. That figure is a projected cumulative increase over the period, not an additional annual payment for every pensioner.
Can pensioners who own a home or have savings claim Pension Credit?
One of the main messages in the new campaign is that owning a home or having savings does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving Pension Credit.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including income, personal circumstances and, where relevant, a partner’s circumstances. Savings can affect the calculation of entitlement, but their existence alone does not necessarily mean a person cannot qualify.
This distinction matters because some pensioners may rule themselves out without checking the official rules.
People who are uncertain about their circumstances should use the government’s Pension Credit eligibility checker or seek help from an advice organisation before deciding they are ineligible.
Official information is available on the UK government’s website at GOV.UK by searching for Pension Credit.
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More than one million eligible older people may be missing out
The awareness campaign comes amid concerns that many older people who qualify for the benefit are not receiving it.
Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said the organisation’s analysis found that more than one million older people on low incomes who were eligible for Pension Credit did not receive it in 2023/24.
The analysis estimated that those individuals missed out on a combined £2.5 billion in support.
Independent Age welcomed the government’s renewed effort to raise awareness, noting that some pensioners experience financial hardship because they do not know the benefit exists or misunderstand the eligibility requirements.
The DWP is expanding its outreach through leaflets, print advertising, television, radio and social media. The campaign also includes a partnership with ITV’s The Chase.
How to apply for Pension Credit
Pensioners who believe they may qualify can begin by checking the official eligibility guidance on GOV.UK.
The general process involves:
- Check eligibility: Review the official Pension Credit rules and provide information about income and personal circumstances.
- Prepare the necessary details: Applicants may need information about their National Insurance number, income, savings, investments, housing costs and partner, if applicable.
- Submit a claim: Follow the application instructions provided by the DWP through GOV.UK or the available telephone service.
- Seek assistance if needed: Relatives, carers and advice organisations may be able to help older people understand the process and complete a claim.
The government encourages families to check whether older relatives could qualify, particularly when they may struggle to navigate the application process themselves.
Pensioners who need additional guidance can also contact organisations such as Independent Age and Citizens Advice.
Why the latest Pension Credit drive matters
The new campaign focuses on a persistent problem: some people who qualify for financial support never claim it.
With the cost of everyday essentials continuing to put pressure on retirement budgets, missing out on Pension Credit can also mean losing access to other assistance for which a person might qualify.
The DWP’s latest effort aims to make the benefit easier to understand and encourage pensioners and their families to check entitlement rather than assume they are ineligible.
For households facing financial pressure, an eligibility check could reveal support that has gone unclaimed.
Frequently asked questions about Pension Credit
What is Pension Credit in the UK?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to support eligible people over State Pension age who have a lower income. It can increase their income and may provide access to additional benefits.
How much is Pension Credit worth in 2026?
The DWP’s October 13, 2026, announcement says Pension Credit is worth more than £4,500 a year on average. The actual amount depends on an applicant’s income and circumstances.
Can I claim Pension Credit if I own my house?
Yes, home ownership does not automatically prevent someone from qualifying. Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the person’s wider financial circumstances.
Can pensioners with savings receive Pension Credit?
Potentially. Savings may affect the amount of support available, but having savings does not automatically rule out every applicant. Pensioners should check their individual circumstances.
Where will the 660,000 Pension Credit leaflets be distributed?
The DWP plans to distribute them in Glasgow, Powys, Stockton-on-Tees, inland Cornwall, Birmingham, East Suffolk and Manchester.
How do I check whether I qualify for Pension Credit?
Use the official Pension Credit eligibility checker on GOV.UK or contact the DWP for application guidance. Independent Age and Citizens Advice can also provide support.
Does receiving Pension Credit automatically qualify someone for other benefits?
Not necessarily. Pension Credit can provide access to additional assistance, but other payments have their own conditions. Eligibility should be checked separately.
Can a family member help a pensioner apply?
Yes. Family members can help an older relative understand the rules, gather information and navigate the application process. Anyone acting formally on another person’s behalf should follow the relevant DWP procedures.