The DWP has launched a fresh drive to boost Pension Credit take-up, as new stats show large differences around the country in those receiving the benefit worth around £83 a week.

Research published today, October 30, found Scotland has the highest Pension Credit uptake of any nation in the UK at 67%. There are still a third of potentially eligible Scottish pensioners yet to claim – adding up to around £150 million. Within Scotland, Glasgow is leading on uptake at 79% while Orkney Islands and Aberdeenshire have the lowest uptake at 44% and 49% respectively.

The new trial– in partnership with Age UK and Independent Age – consists of a letter sent to 2,000 pensioners across England urging them to claim Pension Credit, worth on average of around £4,300 a year.

These pensioners have been identified through the analysis as being the most likely to be eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming the benefit.

Are you over the State Pension age, and struggling with your living costs? Check your eligibility for Pension Credit.

Pension Credit provides those eligible with extra money, which can help with your living costs, as well as a range of other benefits.https://t.co/M3uHGrIK38 pic.twitter.com/QANVODL0vq

— Older People’s Commissioner for Wales (@talkolderpeople) October 30, 2025

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell says: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.

“I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.”

How to claim Pension Credit

For more information on Pension Credit, eligibility and how to claim the benefit, please visit: Pension Credit: How to claim – GOV.UK or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, says: “We’re pleased to support this proactive UK Government trial to increase the reach of Pension Credit. 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.”

The new trial marks a shift in how the Department identifies and contacts potentially eligible pensioners who are not claiming Pension Credit. Previously, letters targeted pensioners receiving Housing Benefit. If successful, further trials could take place.

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As well as providing vital support through an average of £83 a week, Pension Credit unlocks a variety of additional support for pensioners including help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV licences for those aged over 75.

This comes during the Department’s Pension Credit Week of Action aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of Pension Credit and encouraging everyone eligible to apply.

It builds on plans to simplify the application process for Housing Benefit and Pension Credit as well as via the triple lock which is set to see the yearly state pension rise by up to £1,900 over this parliament.