Overview
- The Department for Work and Pensions has restarted targeted outreach that uses cross‑benefit data matching and household letters to prompt Pension Credit applications.
- Officials say recent activity has produced about 34,000 additional claims, which ministers presented as evidence the renewed push is having an effect.
- DWP and MPs warn roughly one in three eligible pensioners still do not claim Pension Credit, leaving hundreds of thousands without a tax‑free top‑up.
- Pension Credit guarantees a minimum weekly income of £238 for single claimants and £363.25 for couples and can unlock other help such as a free TV licence for over‑75s, council tax reductions and the Warm Home Discount.
- The department is asking families and recognised advocates to encourage applications and reminding claimants to report trips outside Great Britain because failure to notify the DWP can lead to reduced payments or penalties.