New research also indicates pensioners already claiming benefits or Council Tax Reductions are missing out on an average of £1,162 every year.
The 16th annual State Benefits Insight Report from retirement specialist Just Group has found that in 2025, seven in 10 (74%) pensioner homeowners were failing to claim any of the benefits they are entitled to, missing out on an average of £1,339 in additional annual income.
The research indicates that nearly one in seven (14%) pensioners who are currently claiming additional financial support through benefits or household support, were receiving too little, missing out on an average of £1,162 every year.
The main sources of extra income being missed out on, identified by Just Group, includes unclaimed Guarantee or Savings credit elements of Pension Credit, Universal Credit and Council Tax Reductions.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges people to check for Council Tax payout of up to £12,000READ MORE: Older people living on their own could be due annual State Pension boost of £4,300
Guarantee Pension Credit – this is the main benefit targeted at helping low-income pensioners. It was being claimed by only three in 10 of those pensioner homeowners who were eligible. Households failing to claim were losing an average £394 extra income per year.
Savings Pension Credit – only 9 per cent were eligible for the ‘top up’ benefit for low-income pensioners who have modest savings. A little over a half (56%) of those eligible were claiming, with the average annual loss £453 per household.
Council Tax Reduction – this should be claimed by nearly four in 10 (41%) of pensioner homeowner households, but less than a quarter (24%) of those were actually claiming with the average annual loss £1,050.
Universal Credit – about a third of the lifetime mortgage enquiries who received advice were below State Pension age, potentially eligible for Universal Credit. Although actual eligibility rates were low, the take-up rate was just 60 per cent with those households not claiming missing out on £3,926 per household on average.
Commenting on the findings, David Cooper, director at Just Group, said: “Our survey once again reveals what appears to be an epidemic of pensioner homeowners missing out on income they are entitled to claim.”
Check for unclaimed benefits
Many households could be due an income boost from unclaimed benefits or discounts on Council Tax and setting aside 15 minutes over the bank holidays to use a free, confidential benefits calculator could ease the financial pressure this winter.
Older people on a low income may be entitled to an income boost, worth on average £4,300, through Pension Credit. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest 760,000 people are eligible for the means-tested benefit but not claiming it.
Some pensioners think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
People under State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
People over State Pension age with health conditions could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, some £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period.
An online benefits calculator isn’t a magic wand to wave away money worries, but it can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim – but it’s up to you to actually make the application.
New research also indicates pensioners already claiming benefits or Council Tax Reductions are missing out on an average of £1,162 every year.(Image: Getty Images )
Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts?
There is a wide range of benefits and payments available you should check for.
You should check if:
you are temporarily unable to work, including because of ill healthyou are of working age on a low incomeYou are over State Pension age on a low incomeyou have been made redundantyou are looking for workyou are raising a familyyou have a child who is disabled or has a health conditionyou are disabled or have a health conditionyou’re caring for someoneyou have lost a loved oneWhat is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use – so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
What benefits you could getHow to claimHow your benefits will be affected if you start workWhere to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits including Scottish Child Payment and Adult, Child or pension Age Disability Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments. Find out more here.
The benefits calculators below provide information on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
What you will need before you start
Gather the following information before you start and the whole process should just take about 10 minutes:
SavingsIncome, including your partner’sExisting benefits and pensions – including anyone living with youOutgoings – such as rent, mortgage, childcare paymentsYour latest Council Tax bill
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