Thousands of pensioners could be missing out on money they are entitled to. A new analysis shows the areas where most pensioners are missing out as the DWP launches a new drive to help people claim what they are entitled to. Many pensioners, especially in areas like the South West of the country, are missing out on the Pension Credit benefit, which is worth an average of £83 per week.
An analysis published last week showed that in the South West, just over half of eligible people are claiming Pension Credit. This figure is much higher when it comes to areas such as the North and London, where between 60% and 70% of potentially eligible pensioners are claiming it. In the North East, take-up rates are the highest in the country at 71%. Letters will be sent to 2,000 pensioners across England, urging them to claim Pension Credit, worth on average around £4,300 a year.
The move forms part of a trial during which the DWP has collaborated with Age UK and Independent Age. Those to receive letters have been identified through the analysis as being the most likely to be eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming the benefit.
The campaign between 2023 and 2024 saw an additional 56,700 households awarded Pension Credit in the last year alone.
Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, said: “If you’re in financial hardship, where you live shouldn’t be a factor in whether or not you receive the money you’re entitled to, but at the moment, it is. With the continued high cost of living, the older people that we speak to cannot afford to miss out on any of the money they are eligible for.
“Initiatives like this trial are a positive step towards increasing the number of people receiving the financial support they are entitled to, and we urge the UK Government to continue building on this strategic approach.”
Further initiatives could be rolled out if this one is successful, the DWP has said. If you believe you are eligible to claim Pension Credit, you can check online and start the application process there. Alternatively, you can call 0800 99 1234.
The areas of the UK with the lowest take-up rates are the South West (55%), the South East (56%), the East of England (58%) and the East Midlands (61%). Here is a breakdown of each region:
Divided by country:
- England – 63%
- Wales – 64%
- Scotland – 67%
Divided by English region:
- North East – 71%
- North West – 67%
- Yorkshire and The Humber – 64%
- East Midlands – 61%
- West Midlands – 65%
- East of England – 58%
- London – 69%
- South East – 56%
- South West – 55%