Overview
- Letters to 2,000 pensioners across England are being sent in partnership with Age UK and Independent Age after first-of-its-kind analysis.
- The analysis reports uptake rates ranging from 71% in the North East to 55% in the South West, with England averaging 63% and sharp differences between nearby councils.
- DWP says up to 760,000 eligible households did not claim between 2023 and 2024, while its recent campaign resulted in about 56,700 additional awards over the last year.
- Pension Credit adds an average £82.71 a week (£114.99 for couples and £78.23 for individuals) and unlocks support with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV licences for over‑75s.
- Local authorities are urging residents to check eligibility, charities support the data-led approach, and ministers indicate the trial could expand alongside plans to simplify applications.