Up to 1 in 4 pensioners are missing out on their pension credits
- Published
- 23/09/2019
New analysis from national poverty charity Turn2us reveals how as many as one in four over 65s are not claiming the Pension Credit they are entitled to.
The charity’s insight shows the disparity in claims for Pension Credit across local authorities in the UK; with over one million people of pension age affected.
Manchester, Glasgow, Leicester, Liverpool and a number of London Boroughs are amongst the areas worst affected.
Turn2us’s model breaks down the highest number unclaimed Pension Credit cases and also highest % of unclaimed PC benefits, as % of the overall 65+ population. The top ten areas for unclaimed Pension Credit are:
|
Local Authority |
Unclaimed (% of total over 65 pop) |
Total unclaimed £m |
|
Tower Hamlets |
26.2% |
£15.0 |
|
Hackney |
24.9% |
£15.0 |
|
Newham |
22.9% |
£17.6 |
|
Manchester |
20.9% |
£30.2 |
|
Islington |
20.0% |
£11.7 |
|
Glasgow City |
19.4% |
£45.6 |
|
Leicester |
19.4% |
£24.3 |
|
Southwark |
19.3% |
£14.1 |
|
Lambeth |
18.8% |
£13.9 |
|
Liverpool |
18.4% |
£38.0 |
There are also a number of local authorities where the amount of people missing out is in the tens of thousands:
|
Local Authority |
Total People Not Claiming |
Total unclaimed £m |
|
Birmingham |
23,605 |
£68.1 |
|
Glasgow City |
16,376 |
£45.6 |
|
Liverpool |
13,345 |
£38.0 |
|
Cornwall |
12,398 |
£36.0 |
|
Leeds |
12,049 |
£34.0 |
|
County Durham |
11,909 |
£34.5 |
|
Sheffield |
10,880 |
£31.3 |
|
Manchester |
10,634 |
£30.2 |
|
Bradford |
10,477 |
£30.5 |
*A spreadsheet for other local authorities is available upon request*
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income who have reached the state pension age. It has two parts – Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Pension Credit. Some people may be able to get one or both parts depending on their circumstances.
David Samson, Welfare Benefits Specialist at Turn2us, says:
“Pension Credit is not a luxury. It makes a significant difference in the weekly income. We work with people every day who are struggling financially and know that older people are often the least well equipped to get the right support at the right time.
“We believe that a lack information, along with digital exclusion amongst this age group, is a major reason for the lack of claiming: over one million families are currently missing out. With this in mind, we recommend that the DWP makes access to information easier so it stops being a barrier for those with lower digital skills.”
Turn2us helped over 90,000 over the age of 65 via its website and helpline in the last year, which is up 61% on the previous year. For more information on Pension Credit please visit - www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Pension-Credit/What-is-Pension-Credit
Those worried about money, and who struggle to get online, can call the Turn2us freephone helpline on 0808 802 2000 to check what benefits or charitable grants they may be eligible for.